Who's the boss???

United States
August 8, 2007 11:51am CST
I am frustrated today. For the project I'm working on now, it is a very small team and I have been placed in the position of lead. I don't like it. I like to just sit and do my assigned work, get it done by the deadline and then ask for more. I don't like being the person who has to make sure everyone else does their job and does it right. I don't like having to nag people to get their work done only to have them submit crap and then I have to explain, again and again, what they have done wrong when they have explicit written instructions to get things done and I am here all day to help with any questions. Grrr...I don't like being the boss! I think it's just my personality that is not comfortable pointing out mistakes and rejecting the work of other people. I try to be kind about it as I know I would feel bad if someone rejected my work and was not nice about it. Maybe I'm just too sensitive. It just reminds me of when you have to do a group project at work and there's always that person who doesn't hold up their end of the project. Very frustrating. Do you have to be in charge at your job or on projects outside of work? Does it make you uncomfortable too?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@bapinag (30)
• India
8 Aug 07
Well, you had been judged the fittest person to be the leader of the team. And as per you, you are very serious about your assignment. Then why are you escaping from the assignment of leading the team? Now, comes the question of bossism. Act as a guide to your colegues. At first you all go to a tea/snacks shop, and discuss about the project with them. Take their opinion, make the project a joint venture. If you think any of them is wrong, don't tell them you are wrong, instead ask them, if it has been done like this, would it be better? Give logic on your idea. In this way try to make this project as a team project, not your project. I hope it will do. Good luck.
• United States
9 Aug 07
I'm not escaping from the assignment. I have no choice but to do it. The only way to escape it would be to quit and that's not an option. It's just that I have no desire to be a leader. I'm more of a team player but my team is not following written instructions that have been in place for over a year and they are being selfish. Yesterday one guy finished his work and said he was taking the next 2 days off as he had nothing to do. Well the rest of the team still has lots of work to do so I told him to help his teammates. It just amazed me that he thought it was OK to just leave the rest of the team when there is more work to be done. Believe me, I wish I could take them all out for tea but I am in the U.S. and they are in India, Egypt and Brazil so it is not possible. :) Thanks for the advice.
• India
9 Aug 07
Sorry, I had hart you. Actually I wanted to say, previously you done you job well. On the basis of that assignments you have been choosen as the leader of this job. So, now your assignment is to be a boss. Now, you wrote that they are ignoring your writen instruction. Before giving any instruction, take their opinion. After getting their opinion, ask them if only these few points is been changed, wouldn't it be better? On their positive answer, tell them to go on. A discussion may be done on a tea stall, a board room, or on internet. But make your image as a friendly guide instead of a boss. Wish you all success.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
8 Aug 07
I know how you feel I've never wanted to be the boss either. I guess it takes a certain type of person.
• United States
9 Aug 07
Definitely takes a certain type of person. I like to have tasks and do them and not be the person overseeing everything. I don't get satisfaction from it and I'm just not that confident. I'm much better in writing LOL. Thanks!
• Romania
8 Aug 07
I haven't got a job ( I'm still a student) but I agree to your statement till one point! Firstly I understand your frustration because it ain't easy to make the others listen to everything you tell them, especially when that person took the place of the boss thet I'm sure everyone else wanted! On the other hand, you should be proud you can show your boss and to the other workmates how good of a boss you can be , your skills , your capacities etc. behave like you are the "king" of the jungle and make up the rules. But remember: listen to everyone's opinion and try to make your decisions seem to them like a great ideea at which they first though of but only now realised what a great thing it is!So then they will be doing what they want and what you want at the same time!
• United States
9 Aug 07
Thanks for the advice. I like the king of the jungle part :) I'll try to do that.