Good meeting - bad meeting?

[equus]

Not AA - this is a work/perception question. I had a meeting this afternoon regarding my proposal for an evaluation of a policy guidance change using young people's opinions.

I won all the points I needed to, all of which had been disputed up to that point but my case was tighter than a ducks bum!
*I argued for random sampling of young people rather than social workers picking who I could speak to.
*I argued for clear lines of accountability for providing feedback on what would be done in response to young people's views.
*I argued they should be offered some reward for taking part
*and lastly that if all the problems surrounded social workers getting stuff wrong we should provide training in how to get it right (re- the policy change!).

Not difficult points to defend as you can see.

Then it came to my proposal and the room made me pay! Okay - admittedly perhaps that was my perception but when you have a room full of third teir managers laughing and joking how the word 'covered' is wrong and should be replaced by 'included' (groups of kids 'included' in the sample) - I get the distinct feeling it's a petty over reaction. This got repeated with equally petty changes through the document - all with the same open laughing. I'm not talking about major grammatical blunders or god forbid a typo - I mean things like saying 'extra effort' NOT being used because it could possibly imply less effort in other areas although the whole room agreed EXTRA effort was needed we just had to say it differently because 'extra effort' was NOT ok!

The best bit - the cherry on top was that my line manager was there and joining in. This matters to me because not only did I have to pay on the day but I'll have to pay tomorrow too!! I sent her the bloody draft first - but she claimed she had been unhappy with all the points they raised. I'd already made all the changes she requested and sent her BACK the corrections!

Yes - This IS a total gripe!! Even when I am vaguely allowed to actually do my job I'm supposed to be cr@p or pay the price! So what if I'm the only one in the room who actually reads legislation? It's not my fault they don't, it's not my fault they misquote it and flippin' misunderstand it. It's not my fault that embarasses them because I reference!

Lastly I WILL KEEP paying the price rather than bastardise my role any more than they already have! Don't become a children's participation officer for social services!! Unless of course you love politics and never saying what you mean.

Gripe over!

[bikewench]

Lastly I WILL KEEP paying the price rather than bastardise my role any more than they already have!

...atta gurl...

it takes guts to back up what you put out there...
and you got that.. ;o)

have a great day E....

[equus]

I still feel it. I want to not feel it, I say things to myself not to feel it but I still feel it. Six people unanimous and me, and tomorrow I have to make do and try to sort out dispute with my manager - after saying so much there she'll be duty bound to go over my failings again.

I won the points and got yet a little more isolated. It's not that I want to be liked just not quite so openly laughed at! I wanted to say - 'I do have feelings... if you cut me I promise I do bleed.' Honestly I think they imagine I don't feel a damn thing! I wouldn't join in with six other people laughing at one person - even if I thought it was hilarious!

[cwohio]

but my case was tighter than a ducks bum!

sorry - had to get that out - you made me laugh!

it does get get frustrating - believe me - things like this happen everywhere unfortunately. it's too bad your manager joined in - can't remember - do you have a good rapport with your manager? i think sometimes folks react that way is because, just as you stated, you actually read the legislation and they probably don't. maybe it's uneasy laughter and nit picking to make themselves feel/look "important"?

shoot - i don't know - but i do know if i was a kid involved in any of this i would be jumping for joy to have you in my corner!

[bikewench]

I wouldn't join in with six other people laughing at one person - even if I thought it was hilarious!

E...
ya just gotta remember that they are obviously disconnected from their kinder side and are susceptable to herd mentality....

all change is hard... but where would we be without it....

like I tell my daughter...

being different is hard.. yes...
but being asleep in the herd is way yuckier.. ;o)

give yourself permission to be a fool... and then go speak your truth..

and let go of the outcome...

we can only do what we can do...

as long as you can sleep at night over it... your ahead E...

[H-Ellenback]

give yourself permission to be a fool... and then go speak your truth..

and let go of the outcome...


I love this Bike, thank you!!!!

Just Ellen