Getting Things Done

Oy Oy me old muckers... I'm back after being on me hols.

Yes, I've been away, thanks for asking, and a very nice time I had, too.  You see, it's much easier to wind Richard's mum and dad round me little claw than it is Richard himself.

Having said that, my sad face and a quick glance at the biscuit cupboard works wonders even on the Iceman, as he thinks of himself.

What a plonka!

Anyway, it's back to normal here at TaxAssist Towers.  I have a full programme every day.  After I walk one or other of me humans from home to the new shop I have to go round the rest of the team to make sure they're chivvied along and know what they're doing.  Once that happens I need a snooze for a bit because I have to have me strength for when customers come in.

You see it's my job to pad to the front of the office, give 'em a welcoming sniff and generally make 'em feel as though I'm pleased to see them.  After that I hand them over to Alan and he can do the manual stuff like making them coffee and that sort of thing.

Then I have to take Richard for his walk at lunchtime so he can have a wee before doing it all again in the afternoon.

Being around businesses and business people all day I get to hear some very funny stories, some stories that are pretty hair raising and others that just make you shake your fur in amazement.

Take the tale told by Bill.  Bill is one of me customers.  He has a couple of staff working in an office and they really make him pull his hair out...

Or at least they used to.  Bill is bald now, probably because he pulled so much hair when he was younger.

He was talking to Renee the other day about a job he asked one of staff to do.  A couple of days later he called his staff member into the office to ask how they were getting on.

'Oh, I've done what you asked,' says they.  'But I think I'll have to change it!'

What?

What's the point of that?

Why do something and then say to your boss 'it'll have to be changed'?

Much better to make the changes and then say to the boss, 'this is what I think needs to be done.'

Bill shook his has in exasperation when he told his story.  'What am I to do with them?'  He asks Renee.

'Coaching,' says Renee.  'You need to employ a coaching mentality.  Ask them what changes they think should be made and then ask them how they could have made things easier for you.'

Bill frowned.  'That could take ages.'

'Yes,' agreed Renee.  'And it's as frustrating as hell but if you're consistent with it eventually the message gets through and your team will start to do the things you want them to... first time.'

Bill left the office looking thoughtful.

It sounded like hello of a palaver to me.  If it was my choice I'd just bite their balls off and tell 'em what to do!