Observation to self: When you are feeling bad about not being uber-productive at work and when you start thinking that Dragon Lady might not be so bad any more, stop whatever you are doing, get out a pad of paper and write 100 times:Do Not Be Lulled Into A False Sense of Security; This Place Is a Toxic Cesspool
Then take a moment and ask yourself what happens when your are super productive, work as hard as you possibly can, do everything that is asked of you and more at work, and forego sleep, exercise, and time with everyone you care about in your life for Dragon Lady? What do you get for all of your efforts? Silently repeat to yourself: NOTHING! My only reward is getting treated like CRAP.
During the last two days, I have been working around the clock for Dragon Lady. She has thrown me the occasional bone by saying "thanks" every now and then, and she even said that one of the charts I had created was "perfect." Things were going so pleasantly, that I hardly minded being chained to my desk. I was actually feeling productive and good about all the work that I was doing.
All of those positive feelings came to a screeching halt yesterday when I entered Dragon Lady's office with additional documents that she had requested. Keep in mind that I was only following orders. I was not bringing her the documents for my health. Apparently, none of my previous work had generated any good will. Instead of thanking me, she starting muttering and cursing under her breath, criticizing me because she was going to have to insert 5 documents into the binder I had previously given her, telling me that everything should have been done perfectly the first time.
She's right. It should have been done perfectly the first time, and if we had perfect paras, perhaps it would have been. As it happened, binders were prepared that had errors in them, and I had to scramble to fix everything for Dragon Lady. It wasn't a picnic for me either, but of course that is of no consequence to her. And, within 24 hours of the errors coming to light, everything was perfect. That should count for something, but in her world, it doesn't.
The encounter reminded me how much I hate working here, and how much I hate working for people like D.L. Life really does not have to be this stressful. The world will not crumble if one binder - which was corrected in 24 hours - was not perfect. Did I yell at the para who gave that binder to me in that condition? No. I pointed out the errors for his future reference, thanked him for his efforts, and then worked with him to correct the errors. That's how normal human beings function in this world.
If you give people positive reinforcement and treat them fairly, they will try their best for you, and that's the most that you can ask. If, on the other hand, you treat people like D.L. does - like they are worthless pieces of crap - and only tell them everything that is wrong with what they have done and nothing that is right, people will want to tell you to go fuck yourself.
12 comments:
118 days to go sister! I still am of the mind that you could be doing both D.L. and yourself a big service by telling her that she has no right to talk to you that way, and that you won't have it. She may need a wake-up call that her attitude is inappropriate and a firm reminder that you deserve a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Amen! I'm so glad you are getting out of there!
Seriously, some people don't realize the effect they have until it's pointed out to them. Next time walk into her office with a shining silver shield and wield your sword at her while handing her the files and shout "Back dammned dragon!"
Somehow I suspect a flaming sword up the ass wouldn't change DL's perspective, hag that she is. But it is worth a shot. ;)
dude, I am going thru the same thing at work, i FEEL your pain, I truly do!
Tracy, She's a Partner and things don't work like that, unfortunately. My job is basically to server her. Ugh!
Caledonia, Me too!
Interstellarlass, The picture of me handing docs to her, then backing up quickly while yelling "Back damned dragon" is making me laugh at my desk. That would be pretty freaking awesome. She'd think I'd lost my marbles, but it woudl be worth it.
Gypsy, So true, but it's so fun to fantasize about. Since she's being a bi-atch, I'm back to thinking I should tell her how miserable working for her has been when I give my notice...
Janet - I'm so sorry to hear that!!
I hear you, Buttercup. I definitely agree with your response to Gypsy. When you give notice, that would be a great time to say something.
I am loving the "Back, Damn Dragon," idea. How hilarious would it be to walk into her office with that shield, and perhaps a helmet. If that wouldn't make her laugh, she truly isn't human, which I know is something we've suspected for some time.
Another idea - which I stole from my husband - would be to figure out how to get some sort of farm animal into her office. Just to throw her off. Like, how hilarious would it be if she showed up one day to find a shetland pony standing in her office? I think she might spontaneously combust. The other partners would secretly think it was the funniest thing they'd ever seen.
Prue, I am so beat right now after dealing with her nightmarish behavior that I don't even have the energy to laugh. But I'm smiling on the inside and I'm going home to a nice glass of wine. OMG, I can't believe I have to come in tomorrow!!
Buttercup!
If no one has ever complained about the D.L. to her face or superiors (if there are any), maybe she doesn't have a clue how to treat people. I think the sword and helmet was an awesome idea! Have a great weekend and relax, sorry you have to work.
Hmmm... how to deal with D.L? I was going to respond but will instead make it a post.
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