EBME Forums Forums Free discussion Free discussion Pet Hates

Treat others as you want them to treat you and the work place should be a happy place to be. Keep life SIMPLE

Yes, "do as be done by" is the Basic Rule ... but sometimes it can be difficult to be decent (for want of a better word) when the "other party" has a completely different understanding of the meaning, or what it is you're trying to do.

As you have heard me say before, Neil ... some folk seem to confuse tolerance with weakness*.

When in charge, I have found that this approach usually works (to stop the moaning):- "Give 'em something to hate"! That is, if they are focussing their angst on the bloke in charge, chances are the rest of the [censored] will slip by them, unnoticed! Ha, ha (but try it, it works).

To be honest, I much prefer a "democratic workshop" (a co-operative even), but admit that I have not found many like that (outside of my own, of course). Maybe Billy needs to try that suggestion on the Comrade Bosses in Carlisle (good luck there, Billy).

By the way, when not in charge, I beleive that a guy should be loyal to the bloke who's paying him. But that does not mean simply being servile, just putting in an honest day's work each day, whilst offering constructive criticism (aka advice) if and when it becomes necessary. That is, we should all strive to make things better, whatever our rank or station.

* We see a lot of that amongst certain "communities" here in the so-called United Kingdom. It's also known as Taking the [censored]!

I think you've got a point there Neil; it’s nice to be nice.

Geoff, democratic workshops are fine in principle, in practice providing a service and maintaining this principle can be difficult. Sometimes Managers have to make unpopular decisions (the privilege, or curse of ascending the greasy ladder). There is no easy way to put a "positive spin" on bad news or unpopular decisions.

Maybe, don’t shoot the messenger is apt.

Sorry, Mate ... have you not heard of:-

"OK lads, what do you want first, the good news or the bad news"?

Where did you do your (Forces) training, Sean?

Also, it seems like you may have missed some of my "lectures" about the ethos of the Band of Brothers! Although I admit here straight away that this approach may not always work in the NHS scenario (and definately not at some places I could actually name). But as I keep saying, when all's said and done, it's all down to Leadership!

And (if I may say so), perhaps Billy makes the mistake of not appreciating that leadership need not be simply handed down from the Bosses (especially if they apparently lack such skills anyway), but applies to those on the "shop floor" as well.

Unfortunately that school of management training does not always transfer well "outside". I’ve found that whereas you were used to things being black and white in the mob, there are gray areas (even multiple shades of grey) outside in the real world.

Tact, diplomacy are definitely skills required outside of
Locking & Aborfield.

Re Forces background, check back a thread/topic or two

Sean

Yes. this one.

Sorry to disagree, but to my mind good management is good management, regardless of its setting. But maybe that's why I never really "settled down" to a "career" as such in Civvy Street. Not that I've worried too much about that, of course.

How about:- "My way or the Highway"? Ha, ha.

Yes Geoff, that’s the thread mate!

You are rightly entitled to your viewpoint, there are many different styles of management, no right styles, no wrong styles, just an adaptable approach that what works in the present environment. Some require the carrot, some require the stick, (and some require the sack).

How about this approach?
"We can agree to disagree, thank you for your valid viewpoint, now.... get the job done". (Hmmm straight off to HR, no doubt).

Pet Hates, people who think they deserve a promotion due to time served!

I have zero problem with that myself. To my mind the whole "Human Resources" approach* is part of the problem!

The last message I got from my own Boss was:- "Just get on with it"!

Fair enough, then.

* At one of the places I worked as an Agency tech, one of the regular guys spent most of his "working" week attending union meetings, and then (once back in the workshop) on "follow up" phone calls and all the rest. It sounded like (at least to me) most of what he was dealing with were (what we would have called in the Mob) "admin cases". That is, people with axes to grind, agendas to follow ... and er, work to avoid!

Off topic
After another quick decko
I think you have to go back to "Absent Friends" thread Geoff to find my place of criminal education.. or just check my posts mate.