Okay…. again …
**Doodle illusion alert** If you’re used to the calm, happy-go-lucky Doodle, quickly – do not read this post. I’m about to display my ugly, vexed side.
<Deep breath…>
I’m normally a fairly chipper, happy person – I like to be helpful, try to be knowledgable and when I don’t know the answer to something, I try very hard to get the answers. That’s me in my personal life (with a few odd exceptions to the ‘chipper’ part) and most definitely true in my professional life. Aside from going into great depths about what I do for work, suffice to say that much of my job means that I seek out information for people who feel they are being disadvantaged.
No problem. I’ve been on the receiving end of that stuff often enough. Experience has taught me, however, that whatever I may perceive as being the problem, I must seek out all the facts first. Sometimes when seeking out those facts, I discover that although I thought I was being disadvantaged, when everything was laid out for me, I really didn’t quite have the picture quite right. That’s just common-sense…. do your research.
Today was a nasty one. Someone sought help with an issue which, from the outside looking in, looks to be fairly inequitable, but I need to dig to get the facts. I’m like a little detective – why is it the way it is? Please give me the reasons? Oh… ok.. thanks for sharing. Then I retreat and make a decision about the best plan of attack. Sometimes that plan of attack means actually deciding there is nothing that can be done because:
- The new facts show the issue isn’t quite what it appeared to be.
- The facts show that this is an issue which requires a more “systematic” approach to the problem – trying to change policies, procedures, etc (eg… no immediate result for the person.)
- What the person wants and what can be done are completely opposed.
But what really picks my ass – is when I am told by someone what I MUST do – they are going to tell me how to do my job because I’m their “advocate.” Arggghhh…. no! It doesn’t work that way. I have an ethical responsibility to inform anyone I help about all possible scenarios and possible outcomes, as well as whether or not I think there is a chance of changing anything. Not that, in the end, I wouldn’t try to change what seems to be unfair, but hey… if you want my help, we have to do this in a way that works for me and for you.
I believe in being honest in my assessments even if people don’t like what I have to say. I guess that’s the big problem here. But, I also believe there is absolutely no point in “cushioining” what needs to be said. If I ask you to be honest with me about what is going on so I can help you, then I, in return need to be honest back. Sorry… that’s me… those are my ethics.
So… yeah… I’m a little ripped and peeved right now. I don’t understand how people can believe that because you can seek information and solutions that you have to do it their way – nuh uh – don’t think so. I’ll try to get you an answer and a resolution, but it’s me that has to go out there the next time to get help for the next person. *sigh*
So… happy-go-lucky me… I could rip the testicles off an elephant right now and feel good about doing it. There… I feel better now. 
