Posted by .tabitha. on August 15, 2002, at 14:09:02
I had done some work that was supposed to be used in another project. It turned out that on that project their was complete confusion about the task, and people were seemingly going to re-do what I had done unnecessarily. For a whole day I was mad and depressed about this, thinking "nobody appreciates me" and "those stupid idiots" etc etc, and then thinking well maybe what I did was no good and they just didn't want to tell me (even though people had already told me they liked what I did). Not being directly responsible for the project I thought it wasn't my place to interfere.
But... after 2 days of stewing I sent out an email to everyone saying basically look, folks, I already did this work and there's no need to re-do it, and here's what's wrong with your approach. This started a whole email train with about 10 people jumping in to argue about it, and eventually they're going to go my way (I think). Then that evening my boss came in and said that's what he wants me to do more of, to "drive" things. Here I thought I was doing something wrong by interfering with something where I'm not directly responsible.
I don't get it. I'm glad it turned out well, but is that how things are? You just ignore the official roles and do whatever the heck you want?Am I just too wimpy, trying to do things "by the book", and that's not really what people want?
I was so upset I was ready to quit, then I took a little action, and it turned around completely. I wonder how many other times I've missed a chance like this, instead stewing and doubting myself.
Happy but confused.
poster:.tabitha.
thread:28678
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020813/msgs/28678.html