When I have something difficult or new to do on a particular day or the day following, it helps me to write it down and this is a good place for me to do it, because after the fact I can revisit and check for progress.

So here goes. It's near enough 11 pm just now. I've been working on a grievance case at work - my boss was supposed to manage it but he's a temporary senior manager and the case has to be investigated by a substantive manager, not directly involved in the work stream, so he has instructed me to take it on - it's what we call a hospital pass, y'know when you're playing rugby or american football and your pal passes the ball to you just as a couple of 300 pound front row forwards are ready to pound you into the ground?

In the past 3 days I've interviewed 3 managers by phone, reviewed all the documentation, compiled a time line, developed an action plan, Started an evidence journal, booked the interview with the complainant and their Union Rep, done the training, took technical advice, talked with HR, even managed to do my day job and fended off the attentions of my senior managers who are hassling me for not moving on this quick enough. Hey, they back burnered it for nearly 3 months, I've had it three days!

Apparantly my attitude is not that expected of a manager. Well we know that expectations are resentments in waiting don't we?

Anyway, what's the new and difficult thing? It's the interview with the complainant and his Union Rep tomorrow. I'm well prepared, even down to bottles of water for all parties, spare pens, spare paper, questions prepared, timetable known, room booked, shirt ironed, shoes polished, suit pressed and brushed. Alarm is set for 0530 hrs, leave home at 0630 hrs, car is full of diesel, arrive 50 miles away at 0745, ready to start at 0800. Even got my breakfast menu planned.

The grievance investigation is all but a formality, unless new information comes out the grievance will fail, although an apology is due for mismangement of the case. The guidance says I must be prepared to let the complainant blow off steam, but still control the interview, similarly to let the complainant blow off steam if the decision goes against them. Remember Priciples before Personalities applies at work too.

So what's bothering me?  I'm anxious that the complainant will ultimately be upset, or the senior managers won't like my adjudication. Either way some one get's upset. So maybe this is people pleasing? And a touch or two of ego? Plus a fine balance between not allowing myself to be a doormat and being arrogant.

So, God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference, help me to be fair and objective and patient and whatever I say help me to say something that helps someone. Now, smoke, tea and bed. Thanks for listening.

-- Edited by bikerbill on Wednesday 17th of March 2010 06:21:06 PM