Work related...Need to vent....

[kaori]

My assistant has been working for my company for about 4 years while I have less than a quarter of her seniority. However, my assistant''s seniority has nothing to do with her ability. To be honest here, ever since I start to work for my company, I have been fixing most of the paperwork that my assistant had done preveriously. Just this afternoon, I heard her trying to set up an appointment by phone for one of our client, over the phone, my assist said " ''G'' as "Japan", ''I'' as "attitude"..." Trust me, this is not the first time.

I am feeling very frustrated when it comes to correct her, not only she never omitted her mistakes but also she takes my correction as an insult which to the personal level. In fact, I casually told her to watch out for her misspelling a month ago and she has been giving me attitude ever since.

I feel like if I am the assistant of my assistant and my boss is not giving me a new assistant nor do anything about it. What should I do?

 

[kaori]

I had just realized that I accidently posted this under the SMTR. I have email admin already and hopefully admin will remove this topic soon. Sorry for the inconvenience.

 

[neatfreak]

Have you spoken to your boss about the problems? What did he/she say?

And I mean this in the nicest way possible-but perhaps she doesn't take your corrections well because you make a lot of mistakes yourself? I have noticed that in your posts it appears that English may not be your first language. So if English is her first language, and she sees/hears you making mistakes (although I am sure they are in no way as bad as hers!), she may simply think that you couldn't possibly know better than her?

Many times people have a very hard time taking direction or suggestions from someone who makes similar mistakes themselves. And although hers may be stupidity and yours because English is your second language she may not see the difference.

Just a thought...

 

[kaori]

You are right on that English is indeed not my first language, and your common sure sounded like discrimination. I don’t see anything wrong for I like my assistant to spell my clients’ names correctly, in my not so American culture, it means being polite. But I could be so wrong according to you, how would I know, I am just someone who’s first language is something else than English.

Of course I can also be wrong about asking my assistant to copy the right number and right letter from my client’s drives license. How dare I am to ask my assistant to write down my client’s name and phone number correctly? I guess according to you, I should just shut my mouth and fix problems as I go since I have English problem. I am truly appreciated your time and concern.

 

[D&T]

Kaori- for some reason, your post comes across with anger already, I understand your vent, and I don't see NeatFreak being discriminatory. She's just giving an outside perspective. Could it be your personality clash with each other as well? I usually come across very blunt and straight to the point but others may need some sort of praise before you critique them? Maybe your assistant harbors ill feelings as well which comes across her attitude towards you as she may have "wanted" your job dunno just a thought.

 

[decodelighted]

Oh my.

Wish I could see those "corrections" of yours.

What does your superior say about your work?

 

[musey]

Kaori, I didn't read a word of discrimination or disrespect in neatfreak's post. It seems to me that your reaction was due to misunderstanding, likely from the language and/or culture barrier.

I think neatfreak's "thought" was spot-on. There's nothing inherently wrong with your making mistakes as a non-native-speaker, this is normal and natural and part of the learning process. However, it certainly may contribute to your assistant's defensive attitude when she's on the receiving end of your criticism.

If your attitude here is indicative of your attitude toward your assistant, perhaps you might try a softer touch with her. It's important for coworkers to be on the same page, but it does not have to come at the expense of courtesy.

 

[Collee]

Pot, meet Kettle.

 

[swimmer]

Date: 11/24/2009 5:18:23 PM
Author: D&T

Kaori- for some reason, your post comes across with anger already, I understand your vent, and I don't see NeatFreak being discriminatory. She's just giving an outside perspective. Could it be your personality clash with each other as well? I usually come across very blunt and straight to the point but others may need some sort of praise before you critique them? Maybe your assistant harbors ill feelings as well which comes across her attitude towards you as she may have 'wanted' your job dunno just a thought.

Whoa there Kaori, I agree with NeatFreak and D&T, and English is also my second language. Your assistant's mistakes are just awful, but in this economy I would just deal with it calmly and nicely. I agree with you as well, when native speakers use English incorrectly I sort of want to smack them upside the head; but I rarely rarely correct someone because I know that my English is also imperfect. They say "those in glass houses can't throw stones," and you honey are living in a glass house. Just smile and know that your English is already better than your assistant's, perhaps that is why she is your assistant...right?

 

[iheartscience]

Date: 11/24/2009 5:11:41 PM
Author: kaori
You are right on that English is indeed not my first language, and your common sure sounded like discrimination. I don’t see anything wrong for I like my assistant to spell my clients’ names correctly, in my not so American culture, it means being polite. But I could be so wrong according to you, how would I know, I am just someone who’s first language is something else than English.

Of course I can also be wrong about asking my assistant to copy the right number and right letter from my client’s drives license. How dare I am to ask my assistant to write down my client’s name and phone number correctly? I guess according to you, I should just shut my mouth and fix problems as I go since I have English problem. I am truly appreciated your time and concern.

Well now you know how your assistant feels when you correct her! She probably gets angry and defensive exactly like you did here.

It seems like both of you could stand to be less defensive and angry and not take things personally.

 

[Indylady]

I think Neatfreak was being sympathetic to your problem while offering a different perspective. I don''t think that Neatfreak wants your assistant to spell your client''s names incorrectly.

 

[miraclesrule]

Date: 11/24/2009 5:34:01 PM
Author: decodelighted
Oh my.

Wish I could see those ''corrections'' of yours.

What does your superior say about your work?

Deco, I just can''t take you seriously every time I see your holiday avatar.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Date: 11/24/2009 10:16:07 PM
Author: miraclesrule

Date: 11/24/2009 5:34:01 PM
Author: decodelighted
Oh my.

Wish I could see those ''corrections'' of yours.

What does your superior say about your work?

Deco, I just can''t take you seriously every time I see your holiday avatar.

+1!

 

[neatfreak]

Wow-do you even realize that you just got angry and defensive just like your assistant does?

I was in no way being discriminatory.

Just simply saying that your English is not perfect and thus it may be hard for her to take your corrections seriously when you make mistakes left and right yourself. I know how it is-I lived in a foreign country and speak a second language as well. But you know what? Since I often made mistakes myself I would never correct someone else's spelling mistakes. Yes, I would of course tell them if the client name is wrong, but otherwise I would leave it alone.

How is she to know if your corrections are indeed "correct" if you often make grammatical mistakes?

You need to calm down and realize that people are not out to get you. And think twice before you berate your assistant for spelling mistakes-as someone said previously you shouldn't throw rocks if you live in a glass house.

 

[AdiS]

Calm down now, no one''s attacking you.

Yes, if your assistant sucks at her job and you can''t fire her, you have a right to be mad.

If she got the names of your clients all wrong or sent an official company letter full of mistakes, ok, by all means, tell her, scold her if you like. Then go show it to your boss and let him deal with it. But I get the feeling that you''re also trying to correct her when she''s speaking and expect her to take your criticism with grace and appreciation. Well, it''s not gonna happen. English is not my first language either, and I''m (almost) always willing to accept corrections from native speakers. However, if someone whose English is, let''s say, as imperfect as yours is, tried to correct me all the time, I''d just tell them to go to he!!

Sorry, but that''s the truth.

I''ll say it again, go tell your boss that she''s not doing her job. You don''t have to do your paperwork by yourself if that''s what she''s supposed to do. And leave her bad grammar out of it.

 

[DearBuddha]

Date: 11/24/2009 5:11:41 PM
Author: kaori
You are right on that English is indeed not my first language, and your common sure sounded like discrimination. I don’t see anything wrong for I like my assistant to spell my clients’ names correctly, in my not so American culture, it means being polite. But I could be so wrong according to you, how would I know, I am just someone who’s first language is something else than English.


Of course I can also be wrong about asking my assistant to copy the right number and right letter from my client’s drives license. How dare I am to ask my assistant to write down my client’s name and phone number correctly? I guess according to you, I should just shut my mouth and fix problems as I go since I have English problem. I am truly appreciated your time and concern.

Seriously? Just...wow. Good job, Kaori.

Clearly, it must be discrimination if someone points out the irony in your situtation.

Neatfreak was in no way being discriminatory, and your reaction to a polite observation only goes to show me that perhaps your assistant is justified in any dismissal she gives your "corrections."

 

[waterlilly]

Dear Kaori,

That was, perhaps, THE most defensive and rude reply I have ever read.

Your post was specifically written to complain about someone elses spelling - and it was full of spelling and word usage errors, do you realize that?

Not only is your written english in need of help, your interpretation skills are obviously in need of help as well. You were given very friendly, sound advice and you completely misunderstood and responded completely innapropriately.

Gee, could it be that THIS is exactly why you are having problems at work.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Well I can refrain from saying what I would have as it has been said and better than I planned to.

But is anyone else resisting the urge to edit? Oy!

 

[KimberlyH]

Just another "ditto" to NeatFreak''s spot on post. As your assistant I would be afraid that your corrections of my mistakes were incorrect. And if your response to Neat is indicitive of how you talk to your assistant there''s one more reason she isn''t open to your criticism.

 

[joflier]

I think neatfreak had a good thought and was trying to share a solicited perspective. There''s nothing discrimantory or derogatory about English not being your first language. That''s just a fact that''s worth pointing out, as it may be a part of why your coworker is taking an attitude. And that''s not saying that your assistant is correct in doing so. Just the fact that she does have an attitude with you - then to find a solution to the problem, the first step is to figure out why, if in fact there even is a reason. Your assistant may just have a flippant attitude in general.
Is your boss aware of the issues with your assistant? There is an expectation of having names and #''s done correctly. That''s just efficient for a business. And if she is YOUR assistant, that means her job is to be doing things to help you, not make more work. If she''s not living up to that expectation, I would certainly think you have some say in that with your superiors.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

wow. Just wow. I don''t care if English is your second or fifth language. How in the world did you end up in a position with a secretary with grammar and attitude issues such as yours? I''m shocked.

 

[purrfectpear]

You need to confront this assistant immediately. Don''t hold back. Let her have it.


Don''t forget to video the event and put it up on UTube

Everyone needs a little Holiday Cheer

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

And please come back and post the link. I''m bored today and could use a laugh.

 

[kama_s]

English is not my first language either, so you can''t pull the discrimination card on me. I''m just going to say that if my boss spoke/wrote the way you did, you bet I wouldn''t be giving two hoots about what s/he had to say about MY english!

Also, seriously, screaming out discrimination?! Really? That is quite a serious accusation, so be careful before you throw it around carelessly.

And finally, Neatfreak and discrimination?! HAHAHAHAHHAHA. She is just about as impartial as it gets!

 

[HopeDream]

Hi Kaori,

Does your compnay have any budget for buisness related training? I wonder If you could send your assistant to an English refresher course?

I also wonder if one of your other co-workers, (not your boss, but one of your equals) could gently speak to her, or if someone else's more profficient asistant could mentor your assistant in the correct way of doing things?

I also wonder if your assistant has personal problems (abusive spouse, huge debt, difficult parents etc.) and stress in the rest of her life that make paying attention at work difficult?

Good luck!

 

[VRBeauty]

You are right in that English is indeed not my first language, and your comment sure sounded like discrimination. I don’t see anything wrong for me to want my assistant to spell my clients’ names correctly; in my not-so American culture, it means being polite. But I could be so wrong according to you (not sure how to fix this). How would I know? I am just someone whose first language is something other than English.

Of course I can also be wrong about asking my assistant to copy the right number and right letter (?) from my client’s drives license. How dare I am to ask my assistant to write down my client’s name and phone number correctly? I guess according to you, I should just shut my mouth and fix problems as I go since I have problems with English myself. I xx truly appreciatex your time and concern.

Kaori: I've tried to correct your response to Neatfreak so you can see why others are reacting as they are.

We have a lot of foreign-born engineers in my workplace. In my mind there's nothing wrong with a foreign born-worker stumbling on the English language, assuming they were hired for expertise in other areas -- although there is a point at which that limitation will also limit their carreer opportunities. However, it is important to be able to deal with this when it comes to communications outside of the office.

Perhaps you need to approach your boss this way: "we both know that English is my second language. Because of this, it's especially important that I have an assistant who is a detail-oriented and a good proof-reader. My current assistant does not meet these standards." And then show him or her examples of your assistant's shoddy work.

BTW, your response also suggests that shoddy work and sending out correspondance riddled with errors is accepted in American workplaces.

That's some generalization.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Date: 11/25/2009 11:50:11 AM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
wow. Just wow. I don''t care if English is your second or fifth language. How in the world did you end up in a position with a secretary with grammar and attitude issues such as yours? I''m shocked.

Ditto ditto ditto.

And thank you to VRBeauty for the edit.

 

[swingirl]

Seems like attitude more than grammar is the problem. Mistakes in language can always be forgiven and learned from. But attitude...hmmm, that''s a tough one to change.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 11/25/2009 11:50:14 AM
Author: purrfectpear
You need to confront this assistant immediately. Don''t hold back. Let her have it.


Don''t forget to video the event and put it up on UTube

Everyone needs a little Holiday Cheer

 

[Indylady]

Date: 11/25/2009 6:48:12 PM
Author: Brown.Eyed.Girl

Date: 11/25/2009 11:50:11 AM

Author: Hudson_Hawk

wow. Just wow. I don''t care if English is your second or fifth language. How in the world did you end up in a position with a secretary with grammar and attitude issues such as yours? I''m shocked.

Ditto ditto ditto.


And thank you to VRBeauty for the edit.

C''mon. This is pretty rude. I agree that OP took Neatfreak''s thoughts badly, but its really quite rude for you to to question how the OP found a job with poor grammar. HH, have you been to college? Some of my most brilliant professors have been foreign; some have had strong accents and poor grammar. It doesn''t keep them from being brilliant, and doesn''t mean they shouldn''t be able to find a respectable ''position'' and aren''t respectable people. Language barriers are mutually frustrating for everybody...no need to belittle the OP.