So far, as a code monkey, that's the time when finger starts to point at someone, or at least, somethingSteve1960 wrote:I think I have worn down my staff! Every time the blame game started I asked three questions:
What is the root cause of the problem
Do we have or need a containment
What is the corrective action.
Its the standard Quality questions I just applied them to all the issues big or small and any topic. Now I see less of the blame game because they know what's coming
Moreover, they are very opportunistic so it is rather difficult to find the right balance between what is right and the highest level of acceptable long term negligence. In many situation saying there is no problem who did it, lets focus on solutions only promotes some negative behavior.Steve1960 wrote:hahaha yes.
I have difused that situation. My teams know that if finding the root cause leads to the finger being pointed at an individual either nothing happens or if required they get some additional training.
The real problems come if the same thing happens a second time........................
It also comes from above. Based on true events:v4jr4 wrote:So far, as a code monkey, that's the time when finger starts to point at someone, or at least, somethingSteve1960 wrote:I think I have worn down my staff! Every time the blame game started I asked three questions:
What is the root cause of the problem
Do we have or need a containment
What is the corrective action.
Its the standard Quality questions I just applied them to all the issues big or small and any topic. Now I see less of the blame game because they know what's coming
That's why I will avoid such kind of arguments. Black and white statement (such as e-mail) is necessary to "slap" a pushy guy like that. Usually, I will put out the details why I need X days and mark up the risk if I can't get the X days. If he can't accept it, I will print out the email, and "slap" that guynakatago wrote:It also comes from above. Based on true events:v4jr4 wrote:So far, as a code monkey, that's the time when finger starts to point at someone, or at least, somethingSteve1960 wrote:I think I have worn down my staff! Every time the blame game started I asked three questions:
What is the root cause of the problem
Do we have or need a containment
What is the corrective action.
Its the standard Quality questions I just applied them to all the issues big or small and any topic. Now I see less of the blame game because they know what's coming
"We're running 3 days behind on that thing you asked me but the second part is on its way, can be done real fast and I can easily make up for lost time "
"Why are we late? What's wrong?"
"We underestimated the effort needed. I told you I needed five days for this but you insisted on three."
"You have been doing this for so long, you should've avoided this in the first place. Tell me; what's wrong."
"But I just told--look, I can catch up on lost time. You just need to let me do--"
"NO, NO, NO. That's unacceptable. Tell me; what you could have done to avoid this."
"I told you I needed more time than you gave---I give up. Can I just go back to work? We're not getting anywhere."
Four days earlier...
"I need five days to do this."
"Why five days? You must show more confidence. Can't you do it in a day?"
"I can't do that. The scope is too big."
"C'mon. You must challenge yourself."
"I told you--I need five days."
"C'mon; do it in three."
"I really can't. That's too aggressive. I need five."
"NO, NO, NO. That's unacceptable. You must be able to do it in three."
"But..."
And he promptly walks off cutting further negotiation.
"I need to go to a meeting. I'll come back for your status after three days."
I think your post just explains the media and every opinion expressed about Singapore by Singaporeans.movingtospore wrote:General question here...I've noticed, working here, whenever some kind of issue comes up, no matter how small, it degenerates into rounds and rounds of useless finger pointing. It only stops when I, the foreigner, step in and tell everyone to focus on the solution to the problem, no matter how minor. And that I could care less who's fault it is.
Takes up an awful lot of time and resolves nothing. What has me shaking my head is that the issues are usually so very minor. Not even issues really - just a small miscommunications etc that then get out of control because everyone gets pissy about it.
This isn't just a wind up - I'm wondering if anyone has figured out a better way to deal with this. I figure this is culturally ingrained, saving face etc etc, and isn't going to go away. But I would really love to find away to get the same team members to actually work as a team - and stop worrying about blame. When in reality nobody higher up cares, and repeatedly tells them that. Any ideas?
I've to agree with Cath, I use to think a lot of disfunctional behaviour was a Singaporean thing, or that it's more prevalent among Asians, but it's not.Cath C wrote:I don't think this problem is unique to Singapore. Anyone who is even slightly insecure about their work performance (ie. almost all of us) will be tempted to duck for cover when things go wrong.
Hmmm...not sure I'd agree, or maybe I misunderstand your meaning.Wen_XY wrote:I've to agree with Cath, I use to think a lot of disfunctional behaviour was a Singaporean thing, or that it's more prevalent among Asians, but it's not.Cath C wrote:I don't think this problem is unique to Singapore. Anyone who is even slightly insecure about their work performance (ie. almost all of us) will be tempted to duck for cover when things go wrong.
I think that is one of the better things I've read on this forum this week. I'd tend to agree with SMS that it's not likely to happen here anytime soon though, and his discounting of your kiasu comparison.Wen_XY wrote:Let's not let the discussion deteriorate into an argument about race and nationality, instead you might want to talk about the individuals themselves, and how you can work towards improving the way they handle problems.
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