This isn't a daycare center. The reason you get a paycheck.

Is it too much to ask for someone to do their job?

Published on June 8, 2004 By citygirl In Work

As a project manager, the hardest part for me is the "passing of the buck".
Many a times, I encounter passing of the buck from supervisors, managers and directors. It seems it's human nature to pass off something that you dislike doing and/or have no clue how to do. Although understandable, I feel as an adult who freely accepts the responsibility, you should suck it up and do it or tell me right off the bat, you don't want to do it/you do not have the expertise/knowledge to do it.
I hate being strung around to find out that you didn't do a thing. Don't tell me that you consulted with someone on it and they didn't get back to you. That is no excuse.
What's worse is when you don't come to me and tell me the situation. When I have to ask you how a task is going to find out it hasn't been addressed, you look bad. I don't care if you're above me in the totem pole. If you agree to be part of my project team, I expect the same from you as of all the other members.
Oh, and finally, if you agree to be part of my project team, do not expect hand holding. If you need assistance, let me know and I'll try to assist. But do not expect me to pull your sub-team in and assign tasks (or worse pull 6 people outside of your sub-team to work on your task). I will work with you to coordinate your team's tasks but do not expect me to do your job.

Thank you.

Comments

mikimouse

on Jun 08, 2004

passing the buck is so American. Take the Japanese for example. They show up for work 15 minutes early and leave 15 late. Kids have school Saturdays. They learn. When you learn, passing the buck is seen as inefficient. Which it is. Americans only want to hot home runs while the Japanese hit singles all day.

KarmaGirl

on Jun 08, 2004

They show up for work 15 minutes early and leave 15 late.

So do my husband and I, and we're not Japanese. However, the Canadian that used to work here came it at 10:30am everyday.

Nothing better than ridiculous generalizations and America bashing at the same time.....

MasonM

on Jun 08, 2004

Nothing better than ridiculous generalizations and America bashing at the same time.....

Cut's out all that bothersome thinking that way.

This article reminds me of all the silly crap I used to have to deal with back when I was in technical management.

mikimouse

on Jun 08, 2004

Oh Karma Karma Karman Korman Korma Koramn Korana Koran Karma....don't accuse me of that. Ridiculous generalizations taken direct from their psyche. Better that what you find in a book. Are you 15 minutes early actually working , or 15 minutes early in order to be able to get to your desk, get your mug, go to the coffee room, blah blah, maybe time to have a smoke? I'm just saying the Japanese philosophy involves harder work and more involvement with the superiors you say pass the buck all the time. CEO's of Japanese conglomerates don't use private jets. They use the airlines. Read Rising Son by Crichton. Awesome work.

KarmaGirl

on Jun 08, 2004

Actually, miki, I am at work at least 1/2 hour before anyone else most days. I also work from home on the weekends. Don't smoke, so no breaks there. And, I am one of those "superiors" (whatever that is supposed to mean) that you say are passing the buck. I am sure that it happens in different companies all over the world, but people really don't do that here.

Sorry, but your ideal of Japanese workers is just as much of a generalization as your generalization of American workers. Just another stereotype. But, you seem to be good at lumping people together. Which is funny considering your political stances. But, whatever floats your boat......

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!