This is probably the greatest lesson I learned this week.
Last Thursday, I just met the most arrogant person in the architectural industry. He is a consultant who does nothing but assures his service and break commitments. In one of our telephone conversations, I was asked him something that is part of his scope of work and he raised his voice and answered me, “Stop pushing me around!” Of course I was pissed of. So I answered back, “I need it! I can’t waste any time. The client and suppliers have been asking for me that same thing everyday. The project is already under construction.” The following day, he finally gave what I wanted, but it was stated in his letter that I demanded for it. I didn’t know it was demanding to ask from him to do his job on time for once.
My bosses never treated my like that. So I assume he never had the right to be so rude or to treat me like one of his employees or anyone less inferior to him.
After that telephone conversation, I was discussing with the contractor the schedule of same project. All of a sudden, I found this contractor guy trying to give me “advice” regarding the arrogant boy. “Just let them do it,” he said. I stubbornly told him I’ll do whatever it takes to prevent any delay of the project. I tried asking things from the consultant over and over again and nothing’s really happening. So I really end up doing things by myself. He repeated, “Just let them do it, unless Annie instructed you to do the consultant’s work.” I suddenly assumed that he knew about the telephone my conversation with arrogant boy. So I asked, “How did you know all about this?” He told me that he’s been working with the arrogant boy for years. It’s really difficult to get necessary stuff from that boy, but it doesn’t mean that he has to do everything and let arrogant boy get away. I was speechless. Our contractor never knew I had a conflict with Mr. Arrogant, yet he brought things up out of nowhere.
Lesson #1: I thought our contractor is in good terms with arrogant boy… or at least, that’s how they interact, as if they’ve been friends for such a long time. The lesson I learned from there is to be brutally frank is not part of being professional.
Lesson #2: If something goes wrong, the bosses are to blame. For many years, as our contractor’s experience, arrogant boy’s form has always been like that. Chances are, his employees come and go, yet the system is still the same. The tendency is to pass the blame to the person in charge. The people working for him have no choice but to follow the organization he’s imposing. So I guess when they fail to follow their commitments, it’s not their fault.
Lesson #3: I realized how privileged we are (me, Mia and Patt) to work for my bosses. We never get harsh words even of we make serious mistakes. They often share us food and treat us to lunch or dinner. Ma’am Annie even promised that we will go out once the Room Data Sheets for St. Luke’s are done. Other than “suhol” via food, we were also supported with facilities. They’re willing to provide a new computer, but we told them it’s not necessary. We were given a printer instead, in less than 3 hours after we requested for it. It’s not really the salary or the things they provide. They just make us feel that we’re loved and very much welcome in their office even though we are just fresh grads. I guess it really makes a difference when employers are very supportive. It makes me want to do better and work harder even though I’m already having a tough load of work.
Here's our pic na medjo malabo. It's our site visit to Patt's office project.
