What happens when 3 different people all think that one of the other two is taking care of something? The "something" doesn't get done! That's called "a poorly occupied role." When a role is not occupied, the job doesn't get done. "No one took out the garbage, or bought the milk, or paid the mortgage." If a role is super important, and no one claims ownership, a disaster can happen (Ex. paying the bills). If the role is only important to one person and they want another person to do the job, tempers can flare ("Why don't you put things away!) When there are many things going on at once and the plan is not clear, roles can slip through the cracks (event planning, committee work). This happened very recently to me and the end result was very disappointing. There is a lot of "if only" feelings. "If only I had realized that the other two weren't doing it, I would have done it." Or, "If only we had cleared this up ahead of time, we would have taken care of it properly."
How can you go through life without "if only's?" That requires clear communication and developing a plan. Why didn't we create a plan? THAT is an important question. We had a plan that didn't include that role! I suspected things should have been done but never pressed about it. I'm not sure why but I can speculate:
I didn't want to be a bother or be pushy.
I assumed it was being taken care of.
I didn't feel it was my place (I wasn't in charge.)
I didn't have time.
I was avoiding the subject (not my favorite role.)
Wishful thinking that it would be fine without worrying about it.
Well, the wishful thinking wasn't enough. And hoping the role was covered didn't work out either. Next time, there will be a better plan in place and lots of clear communication.
Weather: Love it or hate it!
11 years ago
1 comment:
I looked at the reasons you list, and my favorite is to not appear pushy. I am so darned pushy, as a big sister (my original role) that I just tell everybody what to do, step in and over and on (folks) and get the job done.
I had to step back one year, when I was cooking in a restaurant. My department head had quit the week before Thanksgiving, and the general manager and her boyfriend (another cook) came to help prepare the Thanksgiving meal for 300 reservations. The boyfriend took over.
The GM was concerned, because I was the acting head cook. I said we could deal with it later, and "let's get the food out." I think that was the best reaction I could have had - very pragmatic. I don't always do that. I get bossy, angry, and "uppity" in response to a situation.
A long road to recovery, to be sure....
Post a Comment