Tea Boss
April 30, 2008 by haziamyperspective
Today was a busy day at work. My new assignment includes managing Malaysia delegates’ participation in overseas trade events for 2008. Tedious but a good experience, nevertheless, something I don’t already have on my CV, LOL!
In the past, it was normally handled by an NGO. Despite the ministry’s directive, nobody wanted to be the bad guy and tell them. So, I did it. Despite what most people think, it’s not a sensitive matter for us to take over from them. Us being appointed by the ministry means that their expenses can now be (technically) subsidised, that reduced their financial burden. It’s a win-win situation. And I find out from a chat with them, their boss was my classmate in matriculation:)
I can’t wait for my 5 new staff to come onboard. I can take the workload. However, one thing I hate is having to attend to tiny details on my own. That has been my main weakness.
I’ve been alone in the department for 4 months now, my customer service staff is based at the centre downstairs. Overall, I try to be approachable to everybody but I find that some people tend to overstep their boundary. I don’t mean to sound stuffy but I think people should know their place.
One person I’ve tried not to be concerned with is the tea lady, probably in her mid 40s. I was friendly towards her in the begining. But, she tends to be over-familiar, asking nosy questions and making over-personal remarks, and bossy with everybody in the pantry too. We have to wash our own mugs and plates; she only washes stuff from meetings, not personal items. Most of the time, she sits there doing nothing. What a stupid contract, pay people permanent staff salary for what! She also won’t hesitate me to ‘question’ me when I use the company’s cup - why didn’t I used my own mug? Well, I’m drinking coffee and warm water & I only brought 1 mug. And I wash them myself. Duh!
Once, I had my door closed because I was drop dead busy, she dared crashed in just to ask for our corporate diary for herself. Even I don’t have one, limited stock. Man! Nobody else dared to enter or bother me that day, even on work matters. Who the hell does she think she is?
Just now, I was on the phone, damn irritated with IS secretary (one more coolie who thinks she’s the boss), tea lady walked in. I quickly asked her what was it - guess what? She questioned why my meeting next week will be held downstairs. She has to prepare refreshment. I told her that an important fortnightly meeting will be held at the same time upstairs. She wanted to protest but I ignored her and got back on the phone.
Later, my customer service staff told me that she has already asked her the same question and she has given the same reply. But she insisted on talking to me herself. That’s it! I told my staff to make it clear to tea lady to deal with her only on the matter. Do not bother me with menial ‘kuih’ matters, I have other important things to attend to. In case tea lady doesn’t know (impossible), she should make my designation clear to her too. The way she observed me just now told me that my message has been relayed, though I don’t care in what manner. Some people need to be put to their place!
