So a few weeks back … my boss encouraged me and two others in my group to take a class being offered here at EPA called “Stepping up to Supervision”. It got off to an embarrassing start because Dolberry assumed it was a step aerobics class from the Fitness Center… so he reported to the gym that first morning … then had to be directed to a conference room … entering to a room full of laughs … as if people have never seen a grown man rock the green leotard look at work before. Oh well …
Turns out it was a class designed to help staff-level EPA drones to consider what “steps” they need to take to be ready for “supervision”. Thus the name … which does make some sense in hindsight. Since Dolberry is 0 for 2 in his applications for EPA supervisory positions, I decided to stick around … though I could probably could have used the exercise more … and after a while the leotards started bunching up w/ all the sitting.
One of the main elements of the class was the PROFILOR Feedback Report where one is anonymously rated over a series of questions by one’s boss and select peers. Out of 150+ skills deemed important in the workplace, here were Dolberry’s top 10. (Countdown! Hooray!!)
10 - Efficiently prepares written materials (glad they didn’t poll DCV readers re: efficiency)
9 - Prepares reports thoroughly and completely
8 - Gets the job done
7 - Gets work done on time
6 - Is an effective contributor
5 - Accomplishes a great deal
4 - Behaves in accordance w/ professional standards
3 - Delivers well-prepared presentations
2 - Contributes fair share of effort to team’s work
1 - Treats people w/ respect
And my bottom 10 (1 is what I was lowest rated for)
10 – Candidly provides others constructive feedback when appropriate
9 – Anticipates problems and develops contingency plans
8 – Stimulates creative thinking in others
7 – Analyzes problems from different points of view
6 – Uses formal channels in organization to get things done
5 – Is assertive
4 – Influences and shapes the decisions of others
3 – Knows when to stand firm and when to compromise
2 – Monitors progress of others and redirects as appropriate
1 – Clarifies roles & responsibilities w/ team members
Anyway, I’m trying to be more assertive while maintaining Dolberry’s nice guy persona. Some people are very effective at this … so my plan is to simply mimic them. My problem is I tend to take it too personally when my opinions are not valued … or when other people have better solutions/ideas. If anyone has any suggestions as to how they deal w/ being confidently assertive at work w/o coming across as a jerk and accepting when one’s advice isn’t taken … I’m open to ideas.
