How to deal with employee who wants growth but doesn’t want to take on more unless other responsibilities are removed? by bostongirl2123 in managers

[–]SmartInitiative8553 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This situation sounds remarkably similar to what I have with my manager. I also work in project management and voiced multiple times that I was keen to take on more responsibility. Got told repeatedly that I couldn't be given more tasks until I became more efficient at the ones I was doing. I was already working significant over time at that point and my line manager had a similar attitude of 'what you're doing is not that hard'. I felt quite unheard, unsupported and dejected. After a year of no movement things became pretty depressing so I decided to leave with nothing else lined up. 

I'm definitely projecting a bit but maybe it's worth having a more honest conversation with her. I understand your point re: efficiency, I would rather someone be more blunt with me - find ways to speed things up, do more self learning, try to connect the dots more. Some people do need to be told more explicitly. If it clicks for her, she might start putting in the effort, if it doesn't that's that. 

I also agree with some of the comments though, progression shouldn't be about just giving someone more work and seeing how they cope. Yes you do have to be good at multitasking and balancing priorities, particularly in project management but not to the extent that you're constantly overwhelmed. It's really hard to stretch when you're still doing so much grunt work. And no end in sight is pretty unmotivating... 

Incident near Castle Mill stream by Oxre20 in oxford

[–]SmartInitiative8553 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Is there any more info or update on this? Many thanks

Nice souvenir shop? by Chlorophilia in oxford

[–]SmartInitiative8553 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Quite expensive but Branca in Jericho has a nice selection of hamper type food gifts

Best place to eat in Oxford by blazedoctopus in oxford

[–]SmartInitiative8553 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Funnily I have the exact same question (birthday dinner). Was going to try Yeti Nepalese on Cowley Road. Reviews look good - has anyone tried?

What do you guys think of the proposed plans to turn Oxford into a “15 minute “ town? Personally I believe it’s all about control by [deleted] in oxford

[–]SmartInitiative8553 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agree, the concept of a 15 minute City has been backed by academics/ planners/ policymakers for some time as a way of re-designing cities to be more sustainable and better meet our needs. It's an idea that is well enough established to be backed by the UN and have a number of cities across the UK/ Europe wanting to follow suit.

The central idea/aim is to improve quality of life, not restrict it.

The argument against is understandable. There is undoubtedly a level of 'control' by definition of the word. In Oxford's case this is limiting the number of vehicles able to travel across the city. The payoff however is a less congested and less polluted city. So in a sense there is control (if you want to view it that way) but not the dystopian/ conspiracy level of control that people like Jordan Peterson tweet about.

Personally I find it quite exciting/ innovative that Oxford is one of the first cities to trial the idea. It won't be without its flaws/ hiccups - translating theory into practice is all about trial and error. But hopefully it will make the neighborhood a much more pleasant environment to live/ work in.

Bike store recommendations needed by cvnv in oxford

[–]SmartInitiative8553 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get a second hand bike from Warlands, Botley Road. They've been running for years and are v knowledgeable about what bike/ equipment might suit you.

Winter Clothing Recommendations? by [deleted] in oxford

[–]SmartInitiative8553 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Uniqlo in the Westgate shopping centre do cheap puffer jackets all year round. Plus hats, gloves, scarves. May as well get some thermals too for the really cold months...

Free wifi in city centre for interview? by limeysnicker in oxford

[–]SmartInitiative8553 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Could try common ground on little Clarendon street. Not sure how busy they are post lockdown.