Vacation, Time Away From Routine
Finally, at long last, my vacation begins! 11 days of no trouble-calls, Production issues, server backup tapes or difficult staff! I'm going to take this time as an opportunity to rant.
For a year, I have struggled to nearly single-handedly rebuild and reform a failing network. Upon my arrival, there had been serious hardware and software issues. No security or any form of control in place to prevent complete melt-down of the entire infrastructure. Instead of
switches, the server rack was filled with hubs! Most certainly not the proper way to run a network. These were promplty removed with switches of my recommendation. Spyware had been another huge contributor to the instability of this system. A complete lack of accountability of users was another cause. Once most of the issues had been resolved, I'd finally been able to bring on more help. Unfortunately, this help had become more of a hinderance than anything else.
Most IT Professionals tend to be alloof and unfriendly. One of the things I have always emphasized is customer ethic. Quite franky, I believe I've created a more "user-friendly" IT Dept. at this facility. Apparently it is not enough because I'm frequently asked by a few, "Why can't you be more like "Thomas?" By nature, I am a serious and focused individual. Very dry sense of humor but friendly and cordial for the most part. However, like everyone else on this planet, HUMAN. In the most difficult of situations, It was suggested that I become more "cheery" like "Thomas." Unfortunately, "Thomas" has a knack for shirking his responsibility and socializing more than completing tasks. I've never thought of the workplace as a forum to make friends or to be overly sociable. One must be friendly, but professional. Well, back to my point. "Thomas" has effectively taken credit for all of the successes I have done throughout this year and seems now to be the IT "Hero" of our company. One would think that would reflect on the department but in this case, it only makes me look quite mean and unsuccessful.
Previously, I mentioned my customer ethic. That is still in effect. However, when this individual is on the scene, rather than exercising professionalism and courtesy, we have a situation of socializing and carryings on. While I understand this appeals to many, there is a job to do. Yet, I stress that I do exercise good customer service. I do, however, "shoot from the hip" and do not mince words. Yet, many seem to prefer the less direct politically correct approach. How is directness rude, when it IS delivered in a courteous manner. There is a proper time and place for everything, correct? Apparently, being overly sociable is more important than "keeping the users up and running." Structure and procedure is mandatory in any professional setting. New policies have been implemented which many insist upon circumventing and outright avoiding. Our social dragon-fly "Thomas" accommodates these acts, further undermining what improvements have been made.
To close this rant, in essence, Professional Ethic is a four-letter-word in today's workplace. Professionalism and seriousness is considered unfriendliness and technical success is unimportant. Prevention of complete systems failures are now credited to the "friendly" guy. Why is seriousness considered being unfriendly and, in some cases, anger?
Upon my return in 2006, there are to be changes. New challenges and opportunities. Hopefully more self-development opportunities enabling advancement. On one hand, if given this opportunity, I would like to remain with this company. If not, then perhaps I am to seek elsewhere. Truth is, I'd prefer not to. In many respects, I have an ideal situation here. How often does one live less than 10 mins away from work? While the pay is not the greatest, it is a steady paycheck and has been for a year. I know where I am going to be my next work day. Can one actually say that about contracting? No, I'd take this situation, however frustrating and discouraging at times, over contracting any day.
I was told recently that a good leader looks for opportunities to improve himself and those around him. Looks above the chaos and finds solutions. Is not discouraged and continues to strive for success. A true leader is not determined by how he can manipulate others to his bidding, rather, guiding those with him in a common cause.
At least I do not have to deal with these things for the next week. But what else gets me is the weather! 70 degree daytime temps on Christmas? Last year, it was completely different. At least I have the time to be with my son and perhaps get away for a time.
Christmas is a joyous time, though. What a joy it is to see your children's eyes light up when opening presents they've been wanting or the surprise of something they did not think they'd receive. Time to be with family and forget the cares of the world. I believe that is what Christmas is all about. Love. Family. Children.
To those reading this, blessings to you and yours in this Joyous Occasion. Merry Christmas and a SAFE and Happy New Year!
For a year, I have struggled to nearly single-handedly rebuild and reform a failing network. Upon my arrival, there had been serious hardware and software issues. No security or any form of control in place to prevent complete melt-down of the entire infrastructure. Instead of
switches, the server rack was filled with hubs! Most certainly not the proper way to run a network. These were promplty removed with switches of my recommendation. Spyware had been another huge contributor to the instability of this system. A complete lack of accountability of users was another cause. Once most of the issues had been resolved, I'd finally been able to bring on more help. Unfortunately, this help had become more of a hinderance than anything else.
Most IT Professionals tend to be alloof and unfriendly. One of the things I have always emphasized is customer ethic. Quite franky, I believe I've created a more "user-friendly" IT Dept. at this facility. Apparently it is not enough because I'm frequently asked by a few, "Why can't you be more like "Thomas?" By nature, I am a serious and focused individual. Very dry sense of humor but friendly and cordial for the most part. However, like everyone else on this planet, HUMAN. In the most difficult of situations, It was suggested that I become more "cheery" like "Thomas." Unfortunately, "Thomas" has a knack for shirking his responsibility and socializing more than completing tasks. I've never thought of the workplace as a forum to make friends or to be overly sociable. One must be friendly, but professional. Well, back to my point. "Thomas" has effectively taken credit for all of the successes I have done throughout this year and seems now to be the IT "Hero" of our company. One would think that would reflect on the department but in this case, it only makes me look quite mean and unsuccessful.
Previously, I mentioned my customer ethic. That is still in effect. However, when this individual is on the scene, rather than exercising professionalism and courtesy, we have a situation of socializing and carryings on. While I understand this appeals to many, there is a job to do. Yet, I stress that I do exercise good customer service. I do, however, "shoot from the hip" and do not mince words. Yet, many seem to prefer the less direct politically correct approach. How is directness rude, when it IS delivered in a courteous manner. There is a proper time and place for everything, correct? Apparently, being overly sociable is more important than "keeping the users up and running." Structure and procedure is mandatory in any professional setting. New policies have been implemented which many insist upon circumventing and outright avoiding. Our social dragon-fly "Thomas" accommodates these acts, further undermining what improvements have been made.
To close this rant, in essence, Professional Ethic is a four-letter-word in today's workplace. Professionalism and seriousness is considered unfriendliness and technical success is unimportant. Prevention of complete systems failures are now credited to the "friendly" guy. Why is seriousness considered being unfriendly and, in some cases, anger?
Upon my return in 2006, there are to be changes. New challenges and opportunities. Hopefully more self-development opportunities enabling advancement. On one hand, if given this opportunity, I would like to remain with this company. If not, then perhaps I am to seek elsewhere. Truth is, I'd prefer not to. In many respects, I have an ideal situation here. How often does one live less than 10 mins away from work? While the pay is not the greatest, it is a steady paycheck and has been for a year. I know where I am going to be my next work day. Can one actually say that about contracting? No, I'd take this situation, however frustrating and discouraging at times, over contracting any day.
I was told recently that a good leader looks for opportunities to improve himself and those around him. Looks above the chaos and finds solutions. Is not discouraged and continues to strive for success. A true leader is not determined by how he can manipulate others to his bidding, rather, guiding those with him in a common cause.
At least I do not have to deal with these things for the next week. But what else gets me is the weather! 70 degree daytime temps on Christmas? Last year, it was completely different. At least I have the time to be with my son and perhaps get away for a time.
Christmas is a joyous time, though. What a joy it is to see your children's eyes light up when opening presents they've been wanting or the surprise of something they did not think they'd receive. Time to be with family and forget the cares of the world. I believe that is what Christmas is all about. Love. Family. Children.
To those reading this, blessings to you and yours in this Joyous Occasion. Merry Christmas and a SAFE and Happy New Year!
posted by QballRail at 6:55 PM
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