Day 67 - Ambushed

At work I have a twice weekly conference call with a team of people. The benefit of this call is, whether it's utilized or not, that certain individuals know I am available for consultation at the same time, twice a week, every week for their needs. Today, the call seemed relatively quiet until I was literally ambushed by part of the team and their leader. It was not a pleasant conversation, or should I say berating, to listen to but I listened. Instead of allowing myself to be overwhelmed by fear or intimidation and shrink into my chair, I calmly suggested my action plan to the leader's concern. Despite my explanation falling upon deaf ears, I remained calm. Irritated, but calm. I let the "blow hard" continue to blow, and agreed he could take his issues up with upper management, and that I'd be more then happy to help!

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference." - Reinhold Niebuhr

Day 54 - RAWR!

mrswreesman.wikispaces.com

Today I took charge and let it be known that the two temps I have working with my team are off limits to any one else for help, they're MINE! Now, I'm sure there was a nicer way to tell my manager and two other supervisors that, "If anyone touches my kids, I'm going to be like a mama bear and roar!", but they definitely got the picture I was painting.

Not the most tactful or professional thing I've said in my career, but it's a dog eat dog environment and headcount resources in my department are minimal. I've struggled in the past with being able to get and maintain my resources, and having learned my lesson the hard way, I was not about to begin another battle to keep hired help. I figured if I set fears aside now and "put my foot down", I'd eliminate problems later. For now, I'll let the bear in me hibernate, but I won't be afraid to awaken her again if needed.

Day 53 - Left Out

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jolly_green_giant.jpg

I'm realizing this blog isn't always the fun, thrill-seeking blog I imagined it would be when I first started it. Lately, it seems that budget and weather drown my attempts at the "fun" fears to conquer, like heights and roller coasters, or water slides (yes, I'm afraid of water slides). Instead, this blog seems to be more about small, daily confrontations and personal growth. I'm not complaining, rather just noting, that this blog (thankfully) pushes me out of my comfort zone and hopefully, is creating a better me.

With that said, today I found myself in a tough situation at work, where seemingly my staff and I got left out of a major meeting and project. Pre-blog, I would have made up my own ideas about the situation and silently brewed and internally boiled about the slight I was dealt. Heck, to be honest, I still made up my own ideas about the situation, but I did muster the nerve to tackle the "Jolly Green Giant" who was in charge of setting up and directing the meeting. OK, my co-worker is not really jolly, and definitely isn't green, but is tall and intimidating. None the less, I found myself standing before JGG, questioning the thought process that lead to the final actions.

I won't say I believe or bought into any of the Giant's reasons as to why the over sight occurred, but I do think somewhere in the afternoon JGG's conscience kicked in. After witnessing numerous attendees console me and question the obvious omission of names and talent, I did receive an apology from the Giant. While a small victory, it's a victory none the less and I will mark another fear of confrontation mastered.

Side note: In searching for an image of the actual Jolly Green Giant, I found the pic of the statue above which is erected in Minnesota. If I ever travel to the land of a ten thousand lakes, I'll be sure to try and search out the giant, as his deep voiced, "Ho-ho-ho Green Giant!" commercials used to scare me as a child!

Day 45 - Million Dollar Question

I literally had to ask a million dollar question today. Sadly, it was work related and not due to recent lottery winnings. What made the situation a fearful one for me is 1) I had to admit I had no idea how to interpret the paperwork set in front of me, and 2) I had to call the person that created the document and I should add, she expected the paperwork executed last month. Ouch!

I summoned all the courage I could to make the phone call to the rep who had created the contract, half hoping she wouldn't pick up, but before I knew it I heard, "Hey Lynn!". Darn it. Despite hearing her say "Hey Lynn", I still felt the need to introduce myself out of sheer habit and nervousness, only adding to my feeling of idiocy. Thankfully, as I talked and asked for help, she acknowledged that the deal was quite complicated and graciously guided me through the paperwork jungle.

By the end of the phone call we were both thankful I had picked up the phone. For me, it saved making (literally) a million dollar billing error as my original interpretation of the paperwork was incorrect. Phew, catastrophe averted!

Day 39 - Boss

- Too Much -

Today I overcame fear and talked to my boss about how behind my staff and I are. I've always been afraid to admit that I can't do something on my own, or ask for help for fear of being seen as a failure. The fact is there have been some difficult circumstances that have put my team in this position, and we just need help to dig ourselves out. Heaven knows, it's not for lack of trying or lack of over time!

After an hour long conversation with my manager, in which my nerves had me shaking the whole time, setting my fears aside paid off! Results: I get an extra headcount to help me out! Fear of asking for help conquered, and I feel like we (me and my team) can see the light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how small and dim, I know it's there!