The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
In HOPE FOR TODAY, the writer of a reading not too far ago discusses how her home life--alcholic and violent--created such fear in her that, any time she was in a position of authority, usually in an employment situation, the consistent pattern that emerged was fear based control; inability to honestly express expectations, needs, or discuss problems as they arose, yielding "explosions" or the writer losing her temper in inappropriate ways; and, lastly, uncertainty of appropriate boundries for herself and those she was supervised by/was the supervisor of. The reading ends with a brief discussion of how the 2nd tradition gave her a level of humility; that ultimately, each of us has a higher power that is in charge, and it is not me.
This is important for me. I am finding in my work relationships that because the roles of "supervisor," "manager," et cetera have not been clearly defined for me, I feel as this writer does and feel as if I am in some level of my alcholic dysfunction. I am tempted to ask one of the head managers where I work (there are a sum of 4 head managers) to explain to me who holds what role and what the various expectations of each person are--what exact power each person has, their responsibiliy, et cetera. Yet I am also anxious: I am fearful of being looked at as a "muck raker," a "brown noser," or anything of that sort, when I know in my heart that if anyone were to say such things about me it is none of my business--those who spread gossip do so as an effort to gain attn upon themselves, when it really reflects on them.
I know that if I were to ask the question "Who are my supervisors? What are the expectations of them? What power to they hold over me?" and if I were to ask "What are the expectations of my job? Who am I overseeing?" I would be a better employee. I would feel more at peace and more positive. Yet at the same time, I am very anxious to do anything of the sort. I would appreciate any e/s/h you have to offer.
Not sure if this is what you are looking for but this my experience at work.
Timing and accuracy are very important in my job. I don't get paid by the hour but by an estimated time. (The employer has estimated it takes me 8 hrs a day to do this job. If it takes me 9, I still only get paid 8. If it takes me 7, I still get paid 8. So the 7 or less is my daily goal.) Accuracy is important for if I don't get it right the 1st time, I have to go back and make it right which affects my time which affects my money.
There are times when I have to go to a supervisor for answers and there are 3. All have differant roles. It is important to me to know who has what role so I can approach the right supervisor to get an accurate answer without wasting time.
And as far as my peers at work, I try not to worry what they think of my job performance. It is a waste of my time which is a waste of my money. I don't mean to sound "money hungry" but I know I would not be working at all if I didn't need the money.
So to me, knowing what my role is and what the supervisors roles are makes me a more efficient worker.
