perpetualconfusion
Raven
Joined: Dec 26, 2011
Age: 43
Posts: 111
Location: My own little world
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 Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 1:36 am Post subject: "Overthinking" at my job |
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I have been told in the past (and again this week), that I am "overthinking" everything at my job  .
Attention to details has always been my strong suit, except when I am bogged down with too many tasks to manage at once  (this week is a good example).
I work better when my tasks are broken down into smaller chunks, it's easier to focus without the "bigger" picture getting in the way  .
I can't really get too specific, but I can provide the situational "scene" if you will.
I was given the task of working with a sub-contractor (form setter/finish concrete), as well as manage/mentor a youth work crew working on a separate portion of the same job site working on a project they are unfamiliar with.
I have to traverse back and forth over/across the site (in a semi-remote work location) over some very rough terrain to maintain contact and give assistance/advice, depending on the need.
This does cause me some anxiety, as both work progress/production rates are my responsibility, as well as maintain the extremely high environmental standards set by Management.
I am also responsible of supplying/delivering all construction materials, as well as site clean-up and security (removal of all materials at the end of the day).
This is quite a test of memory and organizational skills, as well as logistics.
What I'm trying to convey here is that I feel I'm doing the best I can; but my Boss thinks otherwise (they would like to see things move faster)  .
Sorry if I was too nebulous in my description of duties, I just cannot be any more specific.
Thank You for understanding  .
Any thoughts 
_________________
"Judge a man not by the answers he gives, but by the questions he asks." - Voltaire
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." – Aristotle
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sacrip
Phoenix
Joined: Oct 18, 2008
Age: 39
Posts: 669
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| Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 7:53 am Post subject: |
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I can't relate to your particular field, of course, but generally, when you're supervising, you HAVE to trust your subordinates to do the job you assigned them and stay out of their way while they do it. Obviously you have to spot check to keep them on track, but too much direction can slow them down and give them the idea that they can't do ANYTHING until you approve it first. In other words, the more people involved, the more your success lies in trusting their competence.
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Everything would be better if you were in charge. |
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perpetualconfusion
Raven
Joined: Dec 26, 2011
Age: 43
Posts: 111
Location: My own little world
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| Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 8:26 am Post subject: |
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| sacrip wrote: | | I can't relate to your particular field, of course, but generally, when you're supervising, you HAVE to trust your subordinates to do the job you assigned them and stay out of their way while they do it. Obviously you have to spot check to keep them on track, but too much direction can slow them down and give them the idea that they can't do ANYTHING until you approve it first. In other words, the more people involved, the more your success lies in trusting their competence. |
In this specific situation, I am dealing with:
1. inexperienced workers with NO prior knowledge or skillset to perform this work. It is 100% OJT.
2. one contractor with alot of experience, but who is a little lax about the environmental issues, when, in fact, this is of paramount importance in my situation. I can't stress that enough (no pun intended).
I have no management training and this is not a management role per se . I am an active participant in the work product itself . |
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questor
Hermit
Joined: Apr 24, 2011
Posts: 1983
Location: Twilight Zone
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| Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 8:32 am Post subject: Overthinking |
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I agree with Sacrip. I would also suggest that you get someone to act as your "gofer" person. That is, they could run and do minor things for you that you are currently doing. This would take some of the burden off your shoulders and leave you more time and energy to concentrate on the more important stuff that can't be delegated. So get an assistant for the small stuff and you will be able to handle the other stuff better. And good luck with your job!  |
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perpetualconfusion
Raven
Joined: Dec 26, 2011
Age: 43
Posts: 111
Location: My own little world
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| Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 9:23 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the responses so far. I'll be the first to admit I have a lot to learn about this type of responsibility level.
Maybe I should just "drop back" a bit and let someone else fill the role, this would allow me to just focus on my tasks and not everyone else's.
I will be getting an additional worker (returning from vacation) on Monday.
The youth crew will be gone for the week as well, so things will go smoother for me.
I just get overwhelmed sometimes  and I should have "sucked it up" and not bothered anyone about it, especially here @ WP  .
As the economy improves, other opportunities will present themselves and I should avail myself of them when they do  . |
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