mlana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523
Jun 27, 2014 19:58:15 GMT
|
Post by mlana on Dec 9, 2018 0:39:40 GMT
I work remote from my house, which I love. Being in my office for 8 hours straight at a time, though, was an adjustment. It took me two tries to get the right chair and I’ve changed my desk setup at least 3 times.
I communicate with my team via Teams as needed. My team leader setup a conversation where everyone could post their questions regarding the specific area where I work. She did this because I was doing on the job training and the rest of the team was also learning about this area, so we all learn something when one of us posts a question. I like that I can post a question about a job and then move onto another job and however is available and knows the answer posts the answer at their convenience. If I put exclamation marks in front of my question, my signal for distress, someone answers me ASAP.
Please don’t tell her to Google for an answer, at least not at first. When I was first getting used to this type of work, one teammate would post, “Google is your friend” every time I asked a question. Goggle was NOT my friend; if she was my friend, she would have told me the answer when I posed the question 90000 different ways. When the team leader saw this person’s response, she let her know that she was sure I had googled already, so perhaps that person should answer my question and explain what they had googled to find the answer. This made a huge difference in my efficiency! Once I could see what how they googled for specific information, I could model my future searches on that. I also took some SEO classes that were a huge help.
Before I started working in this area, I worked for a team covering a different area. During that time, I proved that I am very conscientious about my work quality. This team leader asked for me to come on her team when my original contract expired. She told me from the first that she trusted my judgement and would back me on my decisions. I didn’t really believe her at first, but she’s done just that. She may ask me, in a private conversation, to explain my reasoning, and she may make a suggestion as to how I might approach a similar problem in the future, but in front of the client or other team members, she has my back all the way. I love that she teaches me rather than criticizing me and she immediately makes sure I know of anything that has changed in the work flow.
For me, the hardest part of my job was the unknowns. My role wasn’t clearly defined and I was not only learning new tasks and routines, I was also learning new technology. I did a huge amount of study in getting the technology down on my own time; I felt like I should have known that, so I was reluctant to let on that I was having problems with it. As for the job duties, I kept a list of priorities as my team leader presented them and I sent it to her once a week. She liked what she considered a weekly update and she made adjustments to it so that issues were handled before they become issues. Because she took time to do this, I was able to settle into as much a routine as my job is going to allow, with a minimum amount of fuss.
The funny thing is, this is this team leader’s first time being the leader; she stepped into the role when her team leader went on maternity leave. I didn’t think she liked me much since I got my original interview and job because i was friends with a teammate she disliked. When my friend left the company a few weeks after the original team leader went on leave, I was really surprised when I was asked if I wanted to join this team. So far, I really like the way this person runs her team. I hope I get to work with them for a long time.
However, if you ever decide you want a remote Adm Asst, I’d love to interview. I want to be able to say my boss is the Dildo Lady!
Marcy
|
|
|
Post by Really Red on Dec 9, 2018 14:04:30 GMT
My boss says that people join a company and quit a boss. Could not agree more. I loved my job, but had to leave my boss. Luckily her new boss moved me to a different manager. I LOVE working again. My new manager NEVER micromanages me. She listens to me, empathizes with me and always says "what can I take off your shoulders" even though she really can't do that. She is spectacular. For lack of a better way to say this, I'd find the love language of your employee. Mine is words. When my manager says she appreciates me, that's all I need. Some people need different things. Find that out and use it and you'll be gold.
|
|
StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
Jul 5, 2014 1:53:49 GMT
|
Post by StephDRebel on Dec 11, 2018 19:48:02 GMT
Thank you SO much! We're definitely going to do separate offices. Not many people can thrive in my daily noise. Hoping to get things moved this weekend after we collect Josh from campus. Today was her first full day and it went well. She's thinking about what kind of office furniture she'll prefer and I hooked her up with the ordering procedures for office supplies and a budget for setup.
Until we get the offices moved she's doing some organization and year end up things, she did well today.
It took her 30 minutes to come out and say "I don't mean to bother you or sound crazy, but do you have a ghost? " She didn't seem bothered, but I'm going to need Ethel to calm it down and break her in easy. ha .
Going back through this for sure, so much to think about!
|
|
smcast
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,320
Location: MN
Mar 18, 2016 14:06:38 GMT
|
Post by smcast on Dec 11, 2018 20:03:09 GMT
If she bring snacks or lunch, do you have a fridge to put them in?
|
|
StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
Jul 5, 2014 1:53:49 GMT
|
Post by StephDRebel on Dec 11, 2018 20:13:40 GMT
If she bring snacks or lunch, do you have a fridge to put them in? There is a mini fridge in the office for wine- I'll take the wine with me and leave her the fridge! ha. I didn't even consider. Argh, I can't wait to move the offices OUT of my house.
|
|
|
Post by hop2 on Dec 11, 2018 20:21:30 GMT
I don’t go into my actual office often so I can’t really help you there too much.
But from past experience: Make sure it’s warm enough in winter, cool enough in summer and she has the things she needs to do her job and be comfortable. Unless the room is way too small or way too big then the room size won’t matter as much as being comfortable while doing the tasks she has to accomplish. Make sure she has a comfortable chair & desk ( or if she prefers a standing desk & a gel mat) and her workstation is easily useable without bend or craning her body & neck.
I thought you were asking what I like best about my current job and that answer would be my semi flexible schedule and the control I have over my schedule is awesome!
|
|
julie5
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,611
Jul 11, 2018 15:20:45 GMT
|
Post by julie5 on Dec 11, 2018 20:28:16 GMT
As a former small business employer I saw make sure expectations are clearly outlined. We were not as forthcoming with our employee and wound up doing our job and half of his which completely drained our household.
And in the end he quit anyways because we “worked him too hard”. He was family too so now our relationship with my husbands family is pretty much over because every one only got one side of it and thought we should just “get over it”. We invested $200k in him. That’s not something we can get over.
And regarding being understanding: our brother in law took off sick days for their kid totally to almost two full months in a year. And because we didn’t set forth any kind of guidelines, we felt obligated to pay him for those days. Huge mistake on our part. So have a sick day policy, agree upon it, and then abide by it.
Needless to say we won’t be hiring an employee again.
Oh and taxes. Make sure there’s a clear employee/employee boundary. Because you are the boss. She might be helping you but you’re paying taxes to have her there, you’ve invested the money and time to make your business successful. She’s not your equal.
My sister in law couldn’t grasp that about her husband and mine. We are not equal.
|
|
julie5
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,611
Jul 11, 2018 15:20:45 GMT
|
Post by julie5 on Dec 11, 2018 20:32:21 GMT
And I’m sorry that you asked for what people love about their bosses and I was like completely useless on that. It’s just that our employer/employee situation was devastating, financially and emotionally and my husband and I both realize way too late that we were partly to blame. And had we been more business like up front that maybe all parties could be spared the pain.
|
|
|
Post by papersilly on Dec 11, 2018 22:45:28 GMT
i love NOT being micromanaged
|
|
smginaz Suzy
Pearl Clutcher
Je suis desole.
Posts: 2,606
Jun 26, 2014 17:27:30 GMT
|
Post by smginaz Suzy on Dec 11, 2018 22:51:14 GMT
I would write up a list of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly tasks that are expected to be done. Perhaps on a dry erase, so you can edit as needed. Job duties. (input orders, filing, handling calls from downline, whatever else you expect your staff to do). ---Sub-categorize daily tasks, if necessary (meaning...note: input orders and synch with Miss Stephs computer/excel(or whatever program you use). ---Paperwork, sort into categories: Immediately attention required, file weekly, shred, etc... You are the boss. Meaning you manage. You delegate. You decide. Your rules are to be followed. Address issues immediately. --- If she shows up nine minutes late. Address it immediately. Otherwise sliding in a few late, will becomes a frequent habit(cause Miss Steph don't care). But, Miss Steph does care, because it impacts business. Business is business and time is money. Give an inch, they take a mile. --- Communication is everything. One doesn't know what another is thinking or feeling. Communicate with your staff. How's everything going? Is there any task that you're not understanding? Do you have everything you need, that allows you to do your job to the best of your abilities? At the same time, as a working Mom, be understanding. Make allowances for occasions. Yes you can arrive an hour early (or work through lunch hour), so you can leave an hour early and go to your kids ball game, recital. Doctor appt, etc...). Being the owner, boss, manager is not for the faint of heart. It's a fine balance of give and take. Appreciating your staff, all while managing them and expecting them to complete their duties. A happy staff, makes for a good work atmosphere , camaraderie and productivity. A boss on a power trip and lacking empathy, creates hostility and resentment. [br Lordy, our styles are different. You’d hate working for me as much as I’d hate working for you.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 3:43:40 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2018 9:24:31 GMT
What I love about my job is that my boss is extremely flexible with where and when I work, as long as I get the job done. I realize that doesn't work for every type of job, but I'm so grateful it does for mine.
One of the things I need, maybe *because* it's all so flexible, is a weekly set point in time where I talk to my manager 1 on 1. We go through what I'm doing, what's happening in her world, and she coaches me when I ask for help. She makes this weekly hour a priority in her calendar, for me an for the other people in her team - hardly ever does it get canceled no matter what's going on or how busy we are. That makes me feel valued as an employee.
|
|
|
Post by crimsoncat05 on Dec 12, 2018 15:38:01 GMT
Even with tiny teams, it’s impeotant to document things and have some loose policies so expectations are clear and consistent. It saves frustration and confusion down the road. I haven't read the whole thread yet, but I have to say YES to this. I work in Quality and written procedures are our lifeblood. I realize you aren't that large in terms of staff, since it's just the two of you, but having some things written down is the BEST way to get processes done CONSISTENTLY if that's important to you. If there's more than one way to do something, but you want it done a CERTAIN way, then the only way to hold someone to those instructions is, in my opinion, to write it down. In addition, clear, consistent, and timely 2-way communication is SO important. There's nothing quite so bad as being told in your yearly review that you're not doing a good job, or you're not meeting expectations, but you 1) either didn't KNOW what those expectations were in the first place, or 2) you didn't find out sooner, so you didn't even have an opportunity to fix or improve things. Even if it's just the two of you, I'd suggest holding some sort of 'official' meeting (have a short agenda with a set time period for the meeting) periodically to discuss expectations and how things are going. Some people say 'my door is always open' but the employee doesn't want to interrupt, so it's tough to be the one to always 'intrude' to ask a question. Having a set time to communicate alleviates that. Also make sure during your communication that it's clearly set out WHO is going to do WHAT as a result of those discussions. (most people hate meetings, and IMO, it's because most of them are bad meetings, where people just talk about issues but nothing actually gets DECIDED about how to deal with them-- or when nothing actually changes as a result of having had the meeting.) For lack of a better way to say this, I'd find the love language of your employee. Mine is words. When my manager says she appreciates me, that's all I need. Some people need different things. Find that out and use it and you'll be gold. In addition to that, make sure you let her know when you see her doing a GOOD job, as well as what she could improve. Most places only communicate downward when something's going wrong; it's always nice to hear that your boss sees what you're doing right, too, and that they appreciate what you're doing for them and for the company.
|
|
StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
Jul 5, 2014 1:53:49 GMT
|
Post by StephDRebel on Dec 12, 2018 18:12:32 GMT
Thank you!
She's working 4 days a week from now until Christmas. What should I be looking at for a holiday bonus? She's got 2 little ones with special needs and for everyone cash is king. I'm thinking a gift to treat her and some cash? How much would you suggest?
I'm working on setting up some performance goals and incentives for her. I'm thinking a 6 month incentive of an iPad that she needs for her sons special needs and then extending my corporate incentive trip to her.
I'll definitely do a check-in lunch out on Friday. Thank you!!
So glad I asked about office space, I would drive her insane in 2 seconds. She's in heaven wallering around in my paperwork and numbers. I'll just say, that's so not my thing.
So far, so good!
|
|
julie5
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,611
Jul 11, 2018 15:20:45 GMT
|
Post by julie5 on Dec 12, 2018 18:16:52 GMT
Thank you! She's working 4 days a week from now until Christmas. What should I be looking at for a holiday bonus? She's got 2 little ones with special needs and for everyone cash is king. I'm thinking a gift to treat her and some cash? How much would you suggest? I'm working on setting up some performance goals and incentives for her. I'm thinking a 6 month incentive of an iPad that she needs for her sons special needs and then extending my corporate incentive trip to her. I'll definitely do a check-in lunch out on Friday. Thank you!! So glad I asked about office space, I would drive her insane in 2 seconds. She's in heaven wallering around in my paperwork and numbers. I'll just say, that's so not my thing. So far, so good! Last year our employee took the week of Christmas off. We gave him the full weeks pay as his bonus. Time off with her kids with pay would be generous and probably appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by missmcd on Dec 12, 2018 19:00:14 GMT
When I worked in commercial real estate, our Christmas bonus was 10% of our salary. Taxes came out, of course, so it wasn't as hefty as you always hoped Since she'll only have been working with you, what a month, by the time it's Christmas bonus time... I'd say this year doesn't need to be anything large. Cash (to help pay off Christmas bills) is always great!! So is paid time off though. You seem like a great boss to have! I LOVE being alone, in my own office, with nobody bothering me throughout the day. I feel like most adults, at least hard working adults, don't need supervision.
|
|
|
Post by Really Red on Dec 13, 2018 8:54:07 GMT
Thank you! She's working 4 days a week from now until Christmas. What should I be looking at for a holiday bonus? She's got 2 little ones with special needs and for everyone cash is king. I'm thinking a gift to treat her and some cash? How much would you suggest? I'm working on setting up some performance goals and incentives for her. I'm thinking a 6 month incentive of an iPad that she needs for her sons special needs and then extending my corporate incentive trip to her. I'll definitely do a check-in lunch out on Friday. Thank you!! So glad I asked about office space, I would drive her insane in 2 seconds. She's in heaven wallering around in my paperwork and numbers. I'll just say, that's so not my thing. So far, so good! I would also offer time off with pay. Best bonus ever. p.s. you sound like a GREAT boss. Anyone who is thinking of all the things you are thinking of is bound to do right by her employees.
|
|