Response to work stress

• Reintegrative shaming praised by Rich Kuyper, 1/30/97
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    • Yes, Work Stress Is the Euphemism That Propogates Self-Shaming in the Work System by c.h., 2/2/97
      
      

Hi Chauncey. I grew up as the daughter of a NAVAL AVIATOR, so I sympathize with your experience at VMI. I think it was David Cook who wrote an article in the Tompins Institute newsletter about shame in the military---excellent article---what it boils down to is that the military basically RUNS on shame---it is the tie that binds. Your work is carrying that concept into corporate America as well, as did Anne Wilson-Shaef. It is very important work, I think.

I have been looking at it myself lately, as my agency engages in the yearly evaluation orgy. We are always told that it is NOT OK to think too highly of your staff and to not give them all "outstanding" evaluations. I personally think that each person is absolutely marvelous and I always encourage them to explore their own ways of doing things, their own ways of being, and to grow in their own directions. I am always available to hear both negative and positive and, while I will give opinions when asked, I always agree with their own sense of direction. I have a very happy staff. And I am very happy with them...we enjoy our days together and do well with our clients. The upshot is that I am turning in a stack of evaluations that all say "outstanding," along with supportive and appreciative statements about the strong points of each.

The odd thing is that I know that in my evaluation with my vice president, I will not receive the same support. HER boss will point out her shortcomings and she will feel obligated to pass it on...and...I assure you that one of the points she will get me on is not striking fear and shame into the hearts of my staff.

Oh well....

Thanks for your contributions to this forum. I look forward to seeing your book.

• Go Get 'Em Margaret by Vick Kelly, 2/4/97
  • (No title) by Margaret Blakely, 2/6/97
    • Response to work stress by by Diane VanCleave, 8/12/98
• Anyone Who Uses Tompkins' Language is a Change Agent....and Beware by c.h., 2/6/97
  • Change agent by Margaret Blakely, 2/8/97