(First in a series)
This is my last week at my first job out of college. Every day, I hope to write about a different lesson I learned, no matter how hokey they may be, so that not only can others learn what I learned - but hopefully, I'll remember what I learned.
Halloween 2004 at workI list this as my first lesson because it is probably the one that has been on my mind the most lately, for a variety of reasons.
I should preface this by saying that I am a big fan of rule-following. Not when rules are unjust, mind you - but if I can see the reasoning behind the rule, then I'm going to follow it and I want everyone else to, as well.
Over the years at my job, I've had to develop a keen sense of when to follow rules, and when to bend them. I am speaking both about packaging rules that I enforce, and also about intraoffice procedure. Real-life business just demands flexibility - especially in a fast-paced environment.
I've learned, by viewing and by doing, that by being ultra-strict, not only do you not make any friends, you'll probably get overruled anyway. Someone who thinks about the rules a great deal and interprets them with practicality is much more likely to be respected than someone who follows and enforces rules blindly and without exception.
For instance, I could really have driven myself crazy trying to correct every comma, period, and misspelling in intraoffice e-mails, memos, letters, and the like. Of COURSE I can see that they're wrong, but if I send memos back to people covered with red marks, I should prepare to be the butt of a great many jokes and jibes.
What I hope to take to my future endeavors is a sense of flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness to change that I have been able to hone at my company. I can't imagine a job when I won't need those traits.
4 comments:
I completely agree. I can't tell you the number of times deadlines have been pushed back, meetings have been cancelled, or people just haven't done at all what they've said they're going to do. But the only way to really make it better is to know when to bend and what to give up to get what you want.
This post couldn't have been more timely for me, thanks for saying something I really needed to hear.
People suck, don't you know that by now? Just kidding, kind of. Expect little from people, and you won't be dissappointed.
Your pessimistic mother....
mom, you're so negative HAHA
OMG, how is it that I've read this entry, and several after that, but never noticed your pregnant nun picture???? hahaha, cute costume.
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