John,
I would still like to talk to you to discuss the complaints, or rumors thereof, circulating last week in my absence. I have heard a particular name in the "rumor mill", which has shed some light on things, at least to me. In the past 6-8 weeks I have been getting a lot of hang-ups in my office voice mail and calls with no messages on my work and personal cell phone. I have had a suspicion this has been a particular person, but until now was not sure. This particular person has not been sending e-mail requests for data, as I have frequently pointed out was the best way to get in touch with me.
As you know, I have been on travel a lot over the past two months, all of which has been sanctioned by my Program Office. Since 1 June 2007, I have been in town only 18 out of a possible 43 weekdays. This does not include one full day, and five partial days, missed for various Doctor's appointments. Among the days I was out was a one-day trip to Boston for a Red Sox game, one of the apparent rumors I am hearing, and a 9-day family vacation that I returned from on a Sunday, only to head out to Dulles for one of the Germany trips a few hours later. By the way, I worked over 25 hours while on vacation, free of charge, which is one of the reasons it really bothers me to hear such rumors. I have been turning on my Outlook Office Assistant and leaving contact information when appropriate. The two Germany trips being notable exceptions, since all I can provide is hotel information, and I have no e-mail at all.
Needless to say, I am a little annoyed by the accusations I hear floating around. I didn't like coming back from travel and hearing such things when nobody has said anything to me outside of a brief discussion with Amy about helping out when I am on travel. A few weeks ago Amy discussed having someone like Jennifer available to answer questions while I am on travel, in case I cannot be contacted. I have been more than open that I need to work on having a quicker turnaround at times to responding to people, which is usually an issue only due to travel schedules. Communication is always a challenge and on my things to improve list of my IDP. However, at no point have I ignored any requests for data or any particular person. I do recognize that there is room for improvement to more affectively and, maybe more importantly, efficiently communicate.
I think I have made it clear in the past, but will emphasize it again: "I prefer open and honest communication." If at any point, anyone feels I am not fulfilling their expectations of me, or they see a way for me to improve, then they should discuss this with me directly.
v/r,
Darryl
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