I got what I wanted when:
I purchased my motorcycle last year. For one of the first rides to get through the break in period, I just went “that way”. I was relaxed, calm and peaceful. The feeling of freedom was refreshing and revived me for the coming week. While this is not really a work related example, it is my work and the flexibility I frequently have allowed me the time off to take this ride.
While working as a team at the recent building collapse, one of the lieutenants and I coordinated and divided the work load to keep it manageable. After an initial out of control felling, we were able to get organized and effectively divide the work responsibilities and accomplish our goals. While I was in charge, Matt became the face and voice of the incident for local and national media during press briefings broadcast live, a job he has never done before and was nervous about. After coaching and reviewing what was going to happen, how he could handle the situation, and assuring him he would do a great job, I was proud of him and our department for how we managed the public message, mostly because my power and belonging needs were met.
Every time I get a hug from my kids, no words, just the physical hug around the neck. They are teenagers now so they are going at warp speed with school, band, friends, sports, etc., so when I get those simple show of affection, I get that warm all over feeling again. Again, not work related, but one of the most important to me.
I didn’t get what I wanted when:
Again, working at the building collapse, I knew there was more information we could and should release about the incident, but those in charge were not willing to do so. I was not in control of the details but felt that the release of that information would clear up considerable confusion. I did not have the power in that situation and it caused the tension I felt in the early hours of the operation.
I couldn’t get on the motorcycle this week because of a work commitment. There was a 9/11 memorial ride to DC and I could not go due to work commitment. I missed the need for freedom and Friday at about the time they were leaving, I got that depressed feeling of wanting to go with the ride.
Sitting here now, knowing that with Ike hitting Texas, our department may be requested to respond much like we did in Katrina. Also knowing that I will not be able to go because of a commitment to the International Code Hearings in the next week, I will not be able to be involved in the response effort. It is frustrating because I was kept from the Katrina response as well because of similar things.
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6 comments:
Chief,
I thought you guys did great with the dissemination of information. I am a little biased but I think it was well stated and gave enough information. It is tough dealing with the press, from what I am told.
The calm you get from riding is understood. It allows time for meaningless thought and the solitude to clear your head. I enjoy it tremendously. Unfortunately I feel your pain because I am also too busy to ride for enjoyment. I missed Joe’s benefit ride. I really wished I could have made that. Prior commitments get in the way more often than I would like sometimes.
As a side note. If you hear of a goup being put together to south to assist with the hurricane, I would like to be considered. I did not get to go after Karina, and would like to help this time around too.
I know a lot of my own frustrations at the work place stemmed from butting heads with my leadership. I usually feel as if my experience and qualifications for making my arguments are being ignored, creating an incredible feeling of a lack of power.
Do you have any methods of coping with this when its a problem?
John and Andrew, thanks for the comments.
John – the press is actually really easy to deal with if you give them what they need – information. It doesn’t have to be complete, but it does need to be accurate. I think that’s why Matt (and Pete before him) and I have never had a confrontational issue with the press. In fact, by having an open dialogue with them, we get a great deal of benefits from them. They know we can’t release everything all the time, and at the same time we have to know they need something to print or say. It really is one of those mutual respect kind of things.
I missed the make-up ride for Joe as well. I got real wet on the original day though. I think Bob is planning on a second annual next April, we’ll get in on that one I’m sure.
Andrew – in this situation, I did the only thing I could do. I made one short but valiant effort at making my case, the boss said no, I saluted smartly and did what I was told. The heat of battle is not the place to argue or debate. I did that a day later when we could discuss the issue in detail and see in the clarity of the day after. While only the next time will tell for sure, but I think I made my point and changed a mind or two in the process. Then, I get the power part back again.
RD
You've done a good job showing how the personal time impacts the quality of your job time. There are some perfectly beautiful, early fall days coming up for riding. I'm sure you'll take advantage of the ones that you can.
Teenagers' spontaneous hugs mean about 4 times as much as the ones they give us when they're younger. Congratulations that you're still getting them. That's a gold medal in the Dad division.
I honor your strategy and reply to Andrew. No doubt, it's that sort of attitude and managerial vision that got you where you are. It will be interesting to see how far you choose to go.
You did a good job of getting what you wanted when you were able to overcome those obstacles at work and do the job effectively. Most of all, you had to cooperate with another and that makes it often more difficult to "get what YOU want" instead of getting what “we” want. Great job!
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