Apart from the totally sh!t day at work where I've had to field 2 potential formal complaints about colleagues - and which likely will make it to a pretty serious disciplinary stage tomorrow...I've had a pretty good day...
The change in my own reaction has been pretty informative to me though...there was a time when something like that would have sent me into an internal meltdown...but although these two instances are as serious as I've had to deal with - I haven't taken them personally - bearing in mind I'm the manager, and up to say a year ago I would assumed all sorts of responsibility and culpability - today I have dealt with them as they should...while not taking on any guilt...these folks are grown ups and they have to take responsibility for their own actions...before I would have folded in the most unproductive way and taken on their anger and frustration - so hey - good day for me in a funny way!
And the good thing was - I met my W for H's parent's evening - which was wonderful - his teacher confirmed for us what a wonderful boy we have! We always knew it - and know it, but its great to have someone else confirm it!!! Its also good to hear cos that must mean that our arrangements and our care of H is OK - in so far as is possible under the circumstances...because one of my biggest concerns was how this whole set of circumstances would affect him...
Then went back (home) - to W's house for tea and had a great chin-wag / off- loading about W's job circumstances / challenges - she is due to be made redundant by her school which is merging with another school but is "invited" t apply for a job there - with no guarantees. Thing is my W is the most talented, inspiring teacher I have ever come across - her skill and ability to inspire and manage kids is frankly, amazing - always was and remains so. So I know she's going through a tough time with that situation - so did my bit with that...funny thing though...nothing about me...how was your day Simon? Nothing, squit...which was what led to a lot of my resentment - its all about her... still she has managed a couple of bike rides this week, bought her outfit for the holiday she and H are undertaking over Easter...moaned about this that and the other...nothing about me! But I'm out of it. This, on reflection seems very one sided - she gets my salve, and I none of hers...as a man am I expected to suck all of that up? Where's OM at this point? Does he get similar? Or with the rush of happy love hormones does he not have to put up with all of that? I wonder if she does unload in the same way - and if so if she receives the same level of understanding that I offer...maybe he offers more?
If he has anything to moan about or anxieties about his life does she afford him anything more than she does me? I don't think she is capable of it...What is it with her? Can she not see that other people have problems, concerns?
Right now...I consider her to be a very selfish, self centred woman...completely self interested and self centred. These were the very traits I found so hard to deal with...are other people's feelings not important?
But at the same time I recognise that men and women have different needs within a communication discourse.
Anyhow, on to the next phase - we went to see H invested into his Beaver Group - which was exciting and important for him - he declared his Beaver Promise - we took photos etc and had a really good relaxed time there...It was FAB! To see him excited and playing and part of this group...
