# Work Related Mini-Rants **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 14, 2010, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890 "2010-01-14T04:38:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Lionne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Lionne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lionne)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/41 "2010-01-20T18:48:59Z")
Your main job is to answer the phone. You do it passably well. But don’t bitch about all the telemarketers and recorded messages we get when all you do is hang up when they call. Take some initiative! If you get a live person, tell them you want us taken off their list. If you get a recording, at least hit zero or pound or star…try something (if you can free your hands from texting your friends every 4 minutes) even if it leads to a disconnection. Don’t slam the phone down and huff and sigh and look at me for sympathy. Utilize some follow-through and critical thinking skills. ---
**Author:** ![Rack-a-Bones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rack-a-Bones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rack-a-Bones)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/42 "2010-01-20T18:57:18Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > Reminds me: If my keycard to gain access to the building suddenly stops working, along with those of about 40 othe people, it is NOT acceptable for it to take two full weeks for me to get a replacement. > > When I used to work at the University, we could make them in like, 2 minutes. And set up or change their access rights at the same time. It doesn’t make a lick of sense that you people have to ship out to someplace halfway around the world to get another one, nor does it make any damned sense that it takes you more than a week to get around to ordering new ones. > > Frankly, it speaks volumes of company incompetence and lack of communications that roughly 40 people’s cards can die all at once and you people haven’t got the slightest clue why and can’t just change that at the server level TODAY. This kind of stuff amazes me. One of the chores we have at work is to take an Excel report (generated by a database sql query) and go into each client listed and make a _ **manual** _ update in their software. Really? In the 21st century no one has figured out how to take data from an Excel spreadsheet and update a database? You pulled the data from the database with an automated query, why the fuck can’t you update it too? I took SQL 101 about 10 years ago and I could probably write the query so why can’t our whole team of programmers figure it out? ---
**Author:** ![Lionne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Lionne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lionne)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/43 "2010-01-20T18:59:35Z")
Oh and while you’re at it…if you plan on making a copy of something vital, say perhaps a check for $3,000, don’t lforget to press “Copy”. It’s not my fault you have so much going on in that pea-sized brain that you can’t keep track of a check I find three days later still sitting in the copier. ---
**Author:** ![Shot\_From\_Guns](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/44 "2010-01-20T19:43:50Z")
> [@Lionne](#): > > But don’t bitch about all the telemarketers and recorded messages we get when all you do is hang up when they call. > Take some initiative! If you get a live person, tell them you want us taken off their list. If you get a recording, at least hit zero or pound or star…try something (if you can free your hands from texting your friends every 4 minutes) even if it leads to a disconnection. > Don’t slam the phone down and huff and sigh and look at me for sympathy. Utilize some follow-through and critical thinking skills. It’s not worth it. Trust me: it’s a waste of time to do anything but hang up the second you realize it’s a robo-call, and it’s incredibly annoying. Telemarketing calls at work are a legitimate thing to be annoyed about. If it’s a robo-call, you have to wait through the entire thing to \*maybe \*get an option at the end that you can press to \*theoretically \*remove yourself from the list, which usually just disconnects you, and you almost always get the same call again the next week (and the week after that, and the week after that…). If you press the option to talk to a person, you’ll spend even more time waiting on hold, only to get to someone who will almost certainly hang up on you just as soon as they get a glimmering that you’re going to ask them to remove you from their list. If it’s a live call, again, you’re back to the “hangup as soon as they realize you’re going to ask to be removed.” ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/45 "2010-01-20T20:08:06Z")
It’s not even weekly; I get the same number robocalling me every single morning, between nine and ten. **niblet\_head** , can you turn your boss’ contrariness into some kind of a game? Like you give yourself a reward when he acts exactly the opposite of how he has led you expect him to? “Okay, he told me to spend money when normally says don’t spend money - new blouse for me tonight!” ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_the_Impaler)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/46 "2010-01-20T21:16:04Z")
Indeed. Remember, boss-man, I can recite your credit card number, billing address/phone, and VIN code from memory. I can also make sure you have middle seats on every flight you take and queen-sized bed in every hotel you stay at. I’m just sayin. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/47 "2010-01-20T21:32:17Z")
But can you book him next to an unaccompanied minor on a British Airways flight? Or a hotel room next to the all-night bachelorette party? ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_the_Impaler)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/48 "2010-01-20T21:52:06Z")
Anything’s possible if you’re a) resourceful and b) full of vengeance. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![WPA-Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a6a055/32.png) [@WPA-Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WPA-Guy)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/49 "2010-01-20T22:22:37Z")
To whoever is formatting data entry screens and reports (I’m looking at you PNC bank and PA Dept of Education): Lists of people are sorted by LAST NAME, not FIRST NAME! ---
**Author:** ![Shot\_From\_Guns](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/50 "2010-01-20T22:47:45Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > It’s not even weekly; I get the same number robocalling me every single morning, between nine and ten. Yeah, I was being conservative. Really, it varies. I can go a week without getting a single call; then I’ll get the same several calls every day for a week. ---
**Author:** ![MaddyStrut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dbc845/32.png) [@MaddyStrut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaddyStrut)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/51 "2010-01-21T01:25:40Z")
Stupid language rules and buzzwords must stop! It was bad enough many years ago when we all started “reaching out” to each other. It made us all sound like we were in a 1980’s telephone commercial. Yet I had to adapt to using the dreadful phrase since it wasn’t worth the trouble of fighting it. Then we had to “socialize” ideas. Yes, ideas. Come up with a proposal, and the first question you were asked was “where has this been socialized?” Translation: “I don’t want to agree or disagree until I know what umpteen other people have said since I’m a coward.” Sorry. I socialize my pets. Ideas are shared or presented. Yet again, I acquiesced because it wasn’t worth the fight. Now I’ve reached my limit. It seems we are no longer allowed to use the word “but.” Apparently, too many people are saying “that seems like a good idea, but…” and that shuts down important things like “inclusive, diverse decision making.” So now we must replace the word “but” with the word “and.” It seems that by using the word “and” we now magically work to include rather than object to the idea. Seriously, if we say the word “but” in a meeting or email, we’re call out on it. Sorry, \*\*BUT \*\*some ideas are just crap. People need to learn that not everything they say is worth considering. I wonder if I can keep my job if, rather than saying “I understand your idea, but here are some issues”, I pop up with “I understand your idea \*\*and \*\*I think it’s total crap **and** you’re an absolute moron.” ---
**Author:** ![Lionne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Lionne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lionne)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/52 "2010-01-21T02:58:57Z")
**Maddy** , I feel your pain. One sensitive little co-worker can’t stand the word “need” as in “I need you to put your combos in so we can open the vault.” and “I need you to go in the vault with me to help this client.” Well…sure, I could say “I would like…” but we’re on a time crunch and I don’t intend to tailor my every request to suit passive-aggressive you. ---
**Author:** ![Lionne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Lionne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lionne)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/53 "2010-01-21T03:03:09Z")
As for the telemarketing calls, it’s worth it to me because even if it gets us off one list, that’s one less call. I know it’s some magic sequence of numbers and symbols to get a live person, and I’ve been hung up on plenty. But for the few that say they’ll take us off…that’s got to be better than just hanging up. ---
**Author:** ![Rack-a-Bones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rack-a-Bones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rack-a-Bones)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/54 "2010-01-21T03:10:17Z")
> [@MaddyStrut](#): > > Stupid language rules and buzzwords must stop! > > … > Sorry, \*\*BUT \*\*some ideas are just crap. People need to learn that not everything they say is worth considering. I wonder if I can keep my job if, rather than saying “I understand your idea, but here are some issues”, I pop up with “I understand your idea \*\*and \*\*I think it’s total crap **and** you’re an absolute moron.” Damn straight. I still use[these gem](http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x574818)s that were spammed around the internet a while back. I’ll still chuckle when I ask someone if they would like to schedule some training. ---
**Author:** ![Scuba\_Ben](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/278dde/32.png) [@Scuba\_Ben](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scuba_Ben)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/55 "2010-01-21T16:52:17Z")
> [@MsRobyn](#): > > I did get the new cover page for the TPS report, thanks. I gave it all the consideration it deserved. 😃 Good. Be sure to bring the email in with you tomorrow. And it’s company property, so you can’t retain the email at home – be sure to send the email back. And get me a new red Swingline stapler. ---
**Author:** ![RadicalPi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/radicalpi/32/9806_2.png) [@RadicalPi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RadicalPi)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/56 "2010-01-21T23:26:42Z")
> [@MaddyStrut](#): > > Now I’ve reached my limit. It seems we are no longer allowed to use the word “but.” Apparently, too many people are saying “that seems like a good idea, but…” and that shuts down important things like “inclusive, diverse decision making.” So now we must replace the word “but” with the word “and.” It seems that by using the word “and” we now magically work to include rather than object to the idea. Seriously, if we say the word “but” in a meeting or email, we’re call out on it. Now is a good time to have fun with synonyms, unless they’ve already thought of that: although, bar, except, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, save . . . ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/57 "2010-01-22T00:37:47Z")
If you’ve got a “but” qualification to add, just don’t bother with the opening attaboy. So, instead of “That seems like a good idea, _but_. . .” you can have “That seems like a bad idea _because_. . .” Then you could say, “Still, your idea has some merit. Maybe you could refine some of those problems out.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/58 "2010-01-22T02:14:39Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > If you’ve got a “but” qualification to add, just don’t bother with the opening attaboy. So, instead of “That seems like a good idea, _but_. . .” you can have “That seems like a bad idea _because_. . .” > > Then you could say, “Still, your idea has some merit. Maybe you could refine some of those problems out.” > > 😃 I believe the correct form is, “Still, your idea has some merit. Maybe you could refine some of those challenges out.” ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/59 "2010-01-22T02:25:53Z")
> [@](#): > > Now I’ve reached my limit. It seems we are no longer allowed to use the word “but.” Apparently, too many people are saying “that seems like a good idea, but…” and that shuts down important things like “inclusive, diverse decision making.” So now we must replace the word “but” with the word “and.” It seems that by using the word “and” we now magically work to include rather than object to the idea. Seriously, if we say the word “but” in a meeting or email, we’re call out on it. > > Sorry, BUT some ideas are just crap. People need to learn that not everything they say is worth considering. I wonder if I can keep my job if, rather than saying “I understand your idea, but here are some issues”, I pop up with “I understand your idea and I think it’s total crap and you’re an absolute moron.” One fairly common method of passive aggression is called “yesbutism”. The PA person will respond to all suggestions with “Yes, BUT-” followed with reasons why the solution won’t work. If you have a few PA people in your group, they can effectively shut down all progress. Management has probably noticed this problem, and is attempting to get the PA people to have to work towards a solution, rather than finding fault with solutions other people propose. It’s cheaper than sending them all to a shrink, which is what they should be doing. I used to have a horrid problem with this behavior until my shrink pointed it out to me. It’s still one of my first reactions, and I have to stop, shut my mouth, and re-think my response. Just by doing this, I will often come up with solutions, rather than reasons why a solution won’t work. The reply “I’ve tried that, and it doesn’t work” is still very valid as an answer to a proposed solution. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2010, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890/60 "2010-01-22T04:11:37Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > One fairly common method of passive aggression is called “yesbutism”. The PA person will respond to all suggestions with “Yes, BUT-” followed with reasons why the solution won’t work. I used to have all sorts of problems with this too, but not because I was trying to shut down progress - although that is what some people assumed. I raised objections because I noticed the issues and obstructions to obtaining the goal that were not stated in the original premise, and was hoping that the Originator had either considered these issues, or that by raising them, we could come up with ways around them. Unfortunately, all some people heard was that I was being negative. :rolleyes: _Bah! Pish-posh! Think positive! By not thinking about obstructions and difficulties, we can steamroller this idea right through planning!_ BUT yeah, in concensus based organizations, one or two people can effectively shut down all progress and raise their own perceived power level by constantly throwing out objections and never offering solutions. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/work-related-mini-rants/524890.md?page=2)