The general construct of a business using terms such as: Superiors, Higher-Ups, Executives, Managers, Boss, underlings, insubordinates, "reporting to" someone, classification, working class, insubordination, subjugation and more of such ilk has always escaped me.
Surely, someone or perhaps a group of people has to lead who is knowledgeable and can guide others but I always thought that working somewhere was a team effort no matter what you were there to accomplish. A business flow concept makes sense with everyone doing their part. But somewhere in there, the ego and power and anger and disdain and jealousy creep in and destroys the business and original good intentions.
I see it everywhere. Very few places have a work ethic where everyone has their roles to play but are seen as more of a partnership working together.
This has been a personal problem at times. Though I felt I was giving others the proper respect due to their job titles and duties, I was seen as an insubordinate and punished in various ways. I found it disheartening and bewildering at the same time.
There have been a few people who didn't suffer from the problems of ego and jealousy who talked to me like we were both human beings working together towards the same goals. These were pleasant and productive relationships that I really enjoyed.
Your particular situation is a staircase of people constantly lorded over, afraid of being left behind, overwhelmed, overworked with little recognition or voice; just directives to carry out the next command - or else! It seems to just run up and dow the ladder. Surely there is a way to balance out some of the needs of one group to another to accomplish goals. Being pitted against and between parents, students and administators has to be overly frustrating. In an area where one hopes to do so much good, yet is continually thwarted from the very thing they are there to do, it must seem discouraging.
And I think the sad thing is that every person in every rung of the ladder feels the same way.
I feel you - and others- make a difference whether you can see it today or not. I know you care and others can feel that. I imagine that many administrators also care and want to accomplish more but are hampered by their restrictions from their bosses too. Such a conumdrum...
I hope there are changes that you can see taking place that will ease some of this for all. A kinder workspace makes it a better day and a better life for everyone.
I have one small thought: if it is not too overwhelming or too large a group, when you have to send off an email, can you send each one an individual email instead of making it a group notice? No cc - just a direct note. If it's possible, it might get more attention as one would feel more obligated to respond as there is no one else to assume will handle it. It might work against you or be too awkward to be realistic but it's a thought.
Wishing good things for your future and the future of our schools and businesses.
The general construct of a business using terms such as: Superiors, Higher-Ups, Executives, Managers, Boss, underlings, insubordinates, "reporting to" someone, classification, working class, insubordination, subjugation and more of such ilk has always escaped me.
Surely, someone or perhaps a group of people has to lead who is knowledgeable and can guide others but I always thought that working somewhere was a team effort no matter what you were there to accomplish. A business flow concept makes sense with everyone doing their part. But somewhere in there, the ego and power and anger and disdain and jealousy creep in and destroys the business and original good intentions.
I see it everywhere. Very few places have a work ethic where everyone has their roles to play but are seen as more of a partnership working together.
This has been a personal problem at times. Though I felt I was giving others the proper respect due to their job titles and duties, I was seen as an insubordinate and punished in various ways. I found it disheartening and bewildering at the same time.
There have been a few people who didn't suffer from the problems of ego and jealousy who talked to me like we were both human beings working together towards the same goals. These were pleasant and productive relationships that I really enjoyed.
Your particular situation is a staircase of people constantly lorded over, afraid of being left behind, overwhelmed, overworked with little recognition or voice; just directives to carry out the next command - or else! It seems to just run up and dow the ladder. Surely there is a way to balance out some of the needs of one group to another to accomplish goals. Being pitted against and between parents, students and administators has to be overly frustrating. In an area where one hopes to do so much good, yet is continually thwarted from the very thing they are there to do, it must seem discouraging.
And I think the sad thing is that every person in every rung of the ladder feels the same way.
I feel you - and others- make a difference whether you can see it today or not. I know you care and others can feel that. I imagine that many administrators also care and want to accomplish more but are hampered by their restrictions from their bosses too. Such a conumdrum...
I hope there are changes that you can see taking place that will ease some of this for all. A kinder workspace makes it a better day and a better life for everyone.
I have one small thought: if it is not too overwhelming or too large a group, when you have to send off an email, can you send each one an individual email instead of making it a group notice? No cc - just a direct note. If it's possible, it might get more attention as one would feel more obligated to respond as there is no one else to assume will handle it. It might work against you or be too awkward to be realistic but it's a thought.
Wishing good things for your future and the future of our schools and businesses.
Yes, I see a creepy face in the clouds! Perhaps if I was not so deluded, I would find cheerier faces wherever I look.