ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, July 7, 1996 TAG: 9607050134
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: WORKING IT OUT
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
Q: Our new boss makes frequent references to his old organization - as if it's the standard we should strive for. Most sentences begin, "When I was at XYZ, we did it this way." Is there a way to bring him into focus on where he's working now?
A: Don't dismiss the statements simply because the preface is offensive.
Listen to the statements for insights on ways work might be improved. Comment on workable ideas and support their implementation.
If there's no value, ignore the statements. Count them as "throw-away" comments, similar to "nice weather we're having." Your supervisor may not be comparing companies as much as trying to attribute ideas to their source.
Should the comments continue, talk with him and suggest that these frequent references suggest he isn't happy in his job or your company isn't adequate. That, coupled with his desire for continued employment, should stop his comments.
Most new employees fare better if they refrain from "comparing-out" statements for at least a year. The first year's best spent learning the culture of the new organization. Following that, procedures can be suggested without reference to an old organization. The individual gets credit for being innovative, rather than rejection for an inability to adjust.
Q: I was recently "stood up" for a business lunch meeting. It happens only occasionally, but I'd like to be prepared next time. Do I order, stare at my table and eat, or leave after having tea?
A: To avoid misunderstandings and calendar mix-ups, begin your morning with a review of your calendar. For meetings that aren't fixed on your calendar as regular meetings, such as staff meetings, call and confirm the time and place for each meeting.
If your meeting finds you without a partner, call after 15 minutes. Because last-minute emergencies do happen, your call should be made out of concern rather than from the inconvenience you've endured.
When meeting only one person, take the file for that meeting and a file you'd like to have the time to review. If you're lunch partner fails to show, use the time to your benefit.
Order your meal. Then, review files, consider future projects, problem solve, or take an hour-long vacation. It can be energizing to use "lost meetings" as found time.
Eating alone is a learned art, but one which allows uninterrupted thinking. Rather than becoming frustrated, enjoy it.
Q: I left a job I loved for one promising more opportunity. After one week, it is clear that I hate it. I'd like to return to my old job. My old boss said I could come back if this didn't work out. But what if I'm making another move that's too hasty?
A: Going to a job you hate has consequences beyond the torture you feel during the work day. Mental health and physical well-being suffer, and other areas of one's life will feel the consequences.
If there's nothing positive in your new job, there's little risk in returning to something you enjoy. Call your former boss and schedule a meeting. Discuss returning. Talk, also, about those opportunities you left for. You may be able to negotiate some of those in your return contract.
Call immediately; otherwise, the position will be filled and your finding a satisfying job will be postponed.
If you feel strongly, make the change now. Otherwise, spend another few days considering the full problem from various angles before making a decision.
If you're unclear on why you don't like the new job, evaluate your discomfort. For example, if you generally avoid change, you may not be giving yourself or the job a fair chance.
List job tasks for this and your previous job. Note which were pleasurable and which distasteful. Evaluate other dimensions of both: co-workers, clients, environment, culture, opportunities and supervisors.
If the dimensions compare favorably, your unhappiness may be linked to both a new learning curve and your avoidance of change. You may want to recommit to your new job.
Some job changes are mistakes which should be remedied as quickly as possible. Other job changes are good decisions but require greater commitment to meet the new demands. Careful evaluation helps make the distinction.
Remember, the harder the change, the more attractive the past looks - even against all evidence.
Camille Wright Miller, an organizational behavior sociologist who works in Lexington, answers questions from our readers about workplace issues. Please send them to her in care of The Roanoke Times, Business News Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010.
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