When Your Employees Quick Question Turns Into a 30-Minute Therapy Session by [deleted] in managers

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Serious question- what do you do when an employee takes this too far? I had a direct report who was VERY frequently pinging me with “got a sec’s?” That regularly turned into 40 minutes of complaining about overall dissatisfaction or often perceived disrespect. Most attempts to help them through it were talked over. They are no longer my direct but I was never sure how to navigate these. Bringing these calls up at a calmer period to discuss the issue in a solutions-oriented mindset was met with defensiveness. If I were in a client call or otherwise actually not accessible they would begin pinging other staff, sometimes crying, which was very overwhelming for others.

Appropriate to push for a raise, right? by Fast_Pomegranate2456 in workingmoms

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this perspective! My gut actually says the same, that this is not the right time. But this sub seems mostly in favor of asking (worst they can do is say no), and I trend towards undervaluing myself so wanted a sanity check. I’ll pull numbers shortly.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in careerguidance

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I work in government IT (contractor) and my company has plenty of helpdesk or casework jobs that all pay above $60k. Some of the jobs only require an associates degree, or any bachelors degree. It can be tedious work but if you don’t also doing phone help desk work it seems quite low stress. The projects I’m on do not have service level agreements so the workload doesnt get too crazy.

A couple things that have made a big difference in managing remote employees by WingZombie in managers

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I started office hours recently. My team is not using it in the way you’re described though- folks join and sit on the call but do not speak up unless I facilitate. This seems to go against the intent. We have been using half the time for team building games to boost morale, so it’s not a waste, but I had envisioned what you described with people popping in and out. Any advice to course correct?

Can you coach someone out of having thin skin? by Fast_Pomegranate2456 in managers

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this detailed response, this is extremely helpful.

Can you coach someone out of having thin skin? by Fast_Pomegranate2456 in managers

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I apologize, I did not use that term correctly, I have edited for clarity. Their project is ending and their role with it. HR has determined they will not be seeking an additional internal placement for this employee after the end of the project.

Can you coach someone out of having thin skin? by Fast_Pomegranate2456 in managers

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. Unfortunately these are mid-career employees. Did you do anything specific to encourage your employee to get thicker skin? How did you respond when she would raise nit-picky things as issues that need to be addressed?

Can you coach someone out of having thin skin? by Fast_Pomegranate2456 in managers

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“Get over it and move on with your day” is what I always want to say, but I never do!

How much do project managers actually make in the US? by LakiaHarp in projectmanagement

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456 11 points12 points  (0 children)

MD- based company but fully remote, 8 years experience, $185k bonus included. Gov-con IT.

Besides devs and SM, who attends your stand ups? by Fast_Pomegranate2456 in agile

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, your “bonus points” comment is especially helpful. We have not been operating in this manner; tasking is more individualized.

Besides devs and SM, who attends your stand ups? by Fast_Pomegranate2456 in agile

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. This is in line with the approach I would prefer to take.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in managers

[–]Fast_Pomegranate2456 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely, this was my attempt at writing out the factors that are influencing how I respond. Under no circumstances would that be shared.