Category: General

Let me preface this by saying that "Pete" is one of the best bosses I've ever had.  He likes to have fun, lets you get your job done, but knows when and how to crack with the whip when necessary.  He is also a hell of a storyteller, especially when he knocks back a few pints of ale, which is known to do frequently and much to his detriment.  His love for all things beer has also gotten him into a few interesting situations, one of which earned him the nickname, "The Meat."  Way back when office Christmas parties were known more for their debauchery then anything else, Pete had a bit too much to drink, and found himself capping off the night's festivities by dancing around.  It's no shock to see someone dancing drunk at a Christmas party, but when the person is wearing a red felt elf hat, sweaty, beer stained dress shirt and shoes, people pay attention.  Notice I didn't describe his pants.  Well that's because he wasn't wearing any, while dancing to "Jingle Bell Rock." I probably don't have to explain any further where the "Meat" nickname came from, I'll let you figure that out.  He has perpetuated this moniker by having the unpleasant habit of having to adjust himself all too frequently.  He doesn't realize he does it, and of course we as his underlings, don't have to the heart to tell our boss he touches his man parts too often.  We just look away and ignore it.  Eh, nobody's perfect right??


 
Category: Leadership

altWhen I found out I was going to have to sit through a full day of "Leadership Training" I almost wanted to cry.  I was swamped with several tasks, and the though of having to plod through yet another useless training class was nearly too much to handle.  But like a good soldier, I, with several co-workers, began the slow march down to the conference rooms.  I won't bore you with the details, but I will say, that by the end of the day, I was as enlightend, and enriched more than I ever could have imagined.  As miserable as I was when I entered, I was that much fulfilled when I left.  Not only was the training fresh, and interesting, but the presenters were entertaining and effective.  Everyone got directly involved in the training instead of just sitting there passively and falling asleep.  The best part is that although the admin might not sit in a direct leadership position, there are times where I do put my leadership skills on display.  I now have a better handle on the roles and expectations of a leader, and feel that much more prepared and comfortable when given an opportunity to lead.  

 

 
Category: Networking

It's a cliche, problem, but why do people continue to insist on having meetings, just to have a meeting?  Today is my monthly admin meeting, and like always, it's going to be a near waste of an entire hour.  Look, I like to socialize just like everyone else, but I don't enjoy interaction to be forced down my throat just to say we "had a meeting".  I think all the admin's in the group secretly recognize this is a waste of time, but no one has the heart to tell that to the organizer.  She is a terrific person, has tons of experience, and is well respected, but sometimes she can fail to see the forest through the trees. She gets caught up in the image of what she should be doing, rather than relying on her own instincts. So off I go to put on a happy smile, and hope a scrap of something meaningful can during the next hour of my life.

 
 
Category: General

 

 

I have wanted to try my hand at blogging for a while.  My first name is Alicia and plan to keep my last name and company confidential.   I don't plan to bash anyone, but I am may mention a co-worker and don't want to be identified.   I plan to change most co-workers names, so if it sound familiar it is probably conincidiental.   I don't know how often I will post but I hope you enjoy my experiences.