Unexpected Gratification
Dec. 12th, 2003 07:07 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
qosBack in October, a committee was formed here at work to organize the holiday party. Not being much of a party person, I didn't sign up -- but the manager who was in charge put me on the list anyway. It turns out (not unexpectedly) that being on the holiday party committee is one of those informal expected duties of the departmental admin.
So I showed up at the meeting and volunteered to gather price quotes for the various actitivites which were suggested. When all the results were sorted and run past the dept. head for approval, we ended up scheduling a two hour cruise with a light buffet. It fell to me to make all the arrangements with the cruise line, and then to organize a "mixer" activity.
I'm a "5" on the enneagram. This means that if you can get me to a party at all, I'm likely to be off in the corner by myself -- not moody or sulky, but shy and watching, not entirely sure how to "mix" comfortably. At the first opportunity I can seize without causing major offense, I'm likely to disappear.
For the mixer, I took a clue from a previous admin's notes for a bus trip, and asked everyone to submit 3-5 "Fun Facts" about themselves. Using these, I created a series of eight Co-Worker Treasure Hunt cards. The goal was to put names to seven of ten facts, then turn the card in to be eligible for a prize drawing. I had to drag the facts out of some people, and gently prod others for something more than "I have three kids; I have a dog; I played football in high school" but eventually I managed to create a pretty good list.
The party was a great success. The little cruising boat was beautiful, the food great, and the mixer had everyone buzzing. When the managers did the drawing, each winner had to share one of their fun facts. It turned out that everyone who actually completed a card got a prize, which also raised morale.
And everyone gave me all the credit for a successful party. And it was very warm, and very enthusiastic, and I felt a real glow when they applauded me at the end and people came up to me as we docked to express personal thanks.
This is not a job I take seriously beyond my usual commitment to doing quality work. I don't care about the company. This isn't a job that has anything to do with what I value beyond being able to support my household. But I am fortunate enough to work with some truly nice people, and the degree of appreciation they express for me yesterday afternoon meant a lot.
Especially because organizing a successful party is such an unusual achievement for me.
And I *am* going to send out an all-hands email this morning acknowledging the rest of the committee for their work. It's not appropriate that I take all the credit for the party.
So I showed up at the meeting and volunteered to gather price quotes for the various actitivites which were suggested. When all the results were sorted and run past the dept. head for approval, we ended up scheduling a two hour cruise with a light buffet. It fell to me to make all the arrangements with the cruise line, and then to organize a "mixer" activity.
I'm a "5" on the enneagram. This means that if you can get me to a party at all, I'm likely to be off in the corner by myself -- not moody or sulky, but shy and watching, not entirely sure how to "mix" comfortably. At the first opportunity I can seize without causing major offense, I'm likely to disappear.
For the mixer, I took a clue from a previous admin's notes for a bus trip, and asked everyone to submit 3-5 "Fun Facts" about themselves. Using these, I created a series of eight Co-Worker Treasure Hunt cards. The goal was to put names to seven of ten facts, then turn the card in to be eligible for a prize drawing. I had to drag the facts out of some people, and gently prod others for something more than "I have three kids; I have a dog; I played football in high school" but eventually I managed to create a pretty good list.
The party was a great success. The little cruising boat was beautiful, the food great, and the mixer had everyone buzzing. When the managers did the drawing, each winner had to share one of their fun facts. It turned out that everyone who actually completed a card got a prize, which also raised morale.
And everyone gave me all the credit for a successful party. And it was very warm, and very enthusiastic, and I felt a real glow when they applauded me at the end and people came up to me as we docked to express personal thanks.
This is not a job I take seriously beyond my usual commitment to doing quality work. I don't care about the company. This isn't a job that has anything to do with what I value beyond being able to support my household. But I am fortunate enough to work with some truly nice people, and the degree of appreciation they express for me yesterday afternoon meant a lot.
Especially because organizing a successful party is such an unusual achievement for me.
And I *am* going to send out an all-hands email this morning acknowledging the rest of the committee for their work. It's not appropriate that I take all the credit for the party.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2003-12-12 07:59 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2003-12-12 08:16 am (UTC)With someone like you, who is outgoing - but who is also ready to listen - it's easier.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-12-12 09:25 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2003-12-12 12:41 pm (UTC)Please don't take this wrong, but with my rather limited resources right now, I'm concentrating all my energies on my current activities, and maintaining the my active friendships which have been neglected these past few months. If I have any energy for going out, it's going to be with those folks, not working on meeting new people.
I really do appreciate your offer. Please ask me again when things aren't quite so intense.
Time and Energy
Date: 2003-12-12 01:13 pm (UTC)Re: Time and Energy
Date: 2003-12-12 01:17 pm (UTC)Re: Time and Energy
Date: 2003-12-12 01:29 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2003-12-12 09:11 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2003-12-12 10:26 am (UTC)