Keeping my mouth shut 18

[KENAT]

I have a real problem keeping my (work related) opinions to myself at work.

In particular I always put my foot in it with one of the Engineering Directors.

I know I should just nod/say yes/ask how high but I find myself telling the truth.

For instance he was over today asking one of my colleagues why he hadn’t created a rendered image of our new tool using our CAD system for him to put on his wall yet. Although I tried to be extremely subtle in doing so I couldn’t help but begin to point out it may not be the best use of his time. To do so could easily take an hour and when we’re so behind on a project they had to have lay-offs I can’t help but think it’s not a real priority. While it was fairly light hearted I have a hard time reading this guy.

A couple of weeks ago we were talking about IT prioritization. Someone said that PCs should be assigned based on needs; e.g. the people that do FEA/CFD analysis or model large assemblies etc should get the best PCs with large flat screens, upgraded every year or two. These PCs should be flowed down to less intensive CAD users etc and so on until people that only use their PC for sending email etc get a 4+ year old machine with a 17” CRT. I foolishly pointed out this would never happen as senior staff wouldn’t except some old Pentium and a 15” CRT. The same director didn’t see the funny side, again fairly light hearted but none the less, probably not a very smart move on my part.

So any tips, maybe counting to 10 before inserting foot in mouth etc.

Or maybe any amusing stories to share.


KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[dcasto]

I remind myself that it is not an OSHA recordable event when my lip or tongue bleds at work, Even biting them off would not be a recordable incident! Even my bonus which is tied to safety performance would not be affected.

 

[csd72]

Kenat,

See if you can get an arts grant for it!

csd

 

[patdaly]

KENAT,

Depends on how much you need your job.

Personally, we just got the umpteenth new CEO who had to make the grand tour. Foolishly he asked if we had any questions, and of course mine was " Are you a new breed of CEO, or are you here to fill your pockets like the last 17"?

I'm still working...... But if I weren't it wouldn't be the end of the world.

 

[csd72]

patdaly,

Love the blunt honesty and the 'tall poppy syndrome' attitude. Your not an Aussie by any chance?

Oh, and I agree with the sentiment. Seen too many incompetent CEO's get a golden handshake.

csd

 

[KENAT]

Managed to last an entire week without putting my foot in it, although I was out for 2 of those days.

I also managed to last a meeting with him without saying anything although there was banter at the begining (initiated by him) about keeping me in line!

Thanks for all the posts, nothing revolutionary but reinforcing the conclusion I'd pretty much already come to.

(Debodine thanks, I'll be appearing at the comedy club on ... Apparantly my nephew and brother in law think I'm hilarious too, don't see it so much myself.)

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[patdaly]

csd72, nope, not Aussie, though the way this country is going, I wish I was.

Well, other than the gun thing, but that's for another thread.

Not really a tall poppy syndrome, more or less a poppy who could care less syndrome. I've figured it out that they need me more than I need them, not necessarily this employer, but some employer, perhaps one that actually care a whit about their employees. Plus, I have figured out that $$ do not equate to living better....... sounds strange, but I am much happier gathering eggs from my chickens and picking produce from my garden for my supper than to run to the store....

Then again, perhaps I am full of it, either way I shant change.