What my Boss didn't do for Christmas
Posted: Tuesday, December 13, 2011
by Dianne Lehmann
Artisan Jewelry from SyZyGy
This is really a very difficult assignment from the Story Tellers group leader for me. I've had a lot of bosses over the years. Some are more memorable than others. There was the one boss who was always saying to the female employees, "Show me your boobies." He was a drunk and a bastard to boot and I didn't work for him for very long. He fired me one evening because my husband, Bernd, wouldn't do what the boss wanted. He told Bernd to wait at the office until he called Bernd to pick him up from a bar and drive him back to the office. Bernd got tired of waiting after putting in a full day and went home. As office manager, it was my job to stay until the last agent left so I was still there when the boss called and I answered the telephone. The boss had to call a taxi after I told him that Bernd went home and when he got to the office he fired Bernd and then he fired me too. A couple of days later he called me and begged me to come back. I did not. Probably one of the smarter things I've ever done.
I've had bosses that I hated to lose or give up. I've had a few I was totally ambivalent about. I've had some that absolutely drove me crazy. And some who had such a high opinion of me that it was embarrassing. Others thought I was way more efficient than one person could ever be and heaped work on me that I never could finish. I like feeling caught up. I had a boss that talked to me so frankly that I learned more than I ever wanted to know about interpersonal relationships on the job. And I had a boss that totally opened my eyes to the cutthroat world of the mobile home resale business in southern California. And it is (or at least was) cutthroat. Don't let anyone tell you differently … oh we're all just the best of friends here just don't turn your back on me.
With the exception of the boss that let me choose anything in the store, I don't really remember a boss that did anything special for me for Christmas. In all those years, that's a hard thing to imagine. I don't remember a turkey or a ham or a big Christmas bonus. It wasn't that they weren't good people, many of them were. It wasn't that I wasn't deserving of it because I always gave a job my 100% (and don't give me any of that 110% doo-doo, ain't no such thing). I think it's that I've never really worked for a huge corporation with all sorts of money to spare. Mostly, I've worked for small chains or even smaller "mom and pops" stores.
But … and it's a big but … I also don't remember ever feeling slighted at Christmas time. I think that is mostly because I've had the good fortune to work for genuinely kind people. People who showed their appreciation of me in small, but significant ways. A thank you for a job well done once a week goes a long way. A "thanks" for all your hard work along with the paycheck is really nice. Expressions of trust and faith in your competence and honesty are a blessing. What it comes down to is that I'd really rather receive those sorts of things all year long than a ham at Christmas.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)First, again. I'm sorry I made you wait an extra day or two.Hi Jack.
Really? I'm first? Can't imagine. No worries about the wait. I had a little extra time today. When I first read the assignment, I really didn't know what I was going to do with it. But a little mindless house cleaning fixed that right up.
Hugs,
Dianne
I recall sitting at a Christmas table with a woman opposite me whose sweater blinked tiny lights off and on, constantly; I don't know how it worked, but after three glasses of wine, I wanted to unplug her!
Merry Christmas.
Paul
Hi Paul.
I like Christmas lights but not the blinking kind. Can't blame you wanting to unplug her. That much blinking that close ... too much. :)
Thanks for reading!
Hugs and Happy New Year!
Dianne
I think it's wonderful that you appreciate the small things throughout the year and have no expectations at Christmas. I also think employers (except the old guy who let you choose a gift) weren't fully aware how lucky they were to have you for an employee. I rarely see people giving 100%. Merry Christmas Dianne and all the best to you and Bernd in the New Year!Hi Brianna.
Expectations will get you in trouble for sure. :) I do my best not to have them no matter what. But being human, I just can't help it from time to time. Still, my motto is "expect nothing and you won't be disappointed." Well, something like that anyway. :)
Thanks so much for stopping by. And I wish you and yours a really splendid Christmas and new year.
Hugs,
Dianne
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