I've had a torrid start to my working week so far, plus an enduring headache day and night with lack of sleep thrown in as well because of the work situation. I've had to deal with my usual workload though, the pressures of the job which, because I work in heavy transport, shipping and logistics, is rather high. It's a demanding industry, cut-throat really and, whilst I usually do a great job handling the various situations, this week I've had some additional pressures which have caused me to become a little annoyed...When I say, a little, I actually mean a lot fucken annoyed.
I don't like feeling like this but it happens, because I'm human.
In the past it's caused strife through lack of focus, attitude and performance and I've been a little that way this week as well. Fortunately I know a thing or two to help mitigate the damage feeling like this causes. I applied those things over the last couple days and I began to have the thoughts and attitudes that would move me back towards the true me and the man I want to be. That is, in control, proactive, productive, hard working and results oriented...and no bloody headache.
Most of my frustrations revolved around a person up the chain, a regional manager, who has a lack of self esteem so pushes others around, cannot communicate effectively, is prideful and hubris-loaded, narcissistic, egotistical and simply ill-equipped to manage anyone at all. Unfortunately I allowed this person to poke away at me and...well folks, I'm not a person who reacts well to that sort of thing and I poked back...with a big, heavy fucken club.
Ok, so I didn't pulverise his noggin with a baseball bat or anything, but I called him up for a conversation and was abundantly clear about how I felt about him and his behaviours and the potential ramifications of them to the company. I left nothing out, and at the end of the thirty minute call felt a lot better...he probably didn't though.
I used the quote above as it aligns a little with some of the things I've learned throughout life and which have proven to help in situations like I've been faced with this week.
I've always worked hard to prepare myself for the things I needed to do be it physical, emotional or mental aspects. Being prepared is incredibly important to me and has been critical in some of the roles I've had to perform. Keeping my axe and sword sharp and my shield to hand has paid dividends; I mean that being prepared, skilled, showing ownership, responsibility and discipline have been the underlying factors to the successes I've had.
It's also been important to have laser focus on the right things and to let those that are unimportant to the process or ultimate goal fall away; this means I've worked to control the controllable things and let those I can't control fade away. That's laser focus.
Until the bell rings
The quote, by a heavyweight world champion boxer, talks about forgetting the opponent until the bell rings and that's a little like not worrying about things that are outside our ability to control.
There's little to be gained by worrying about uncontrollable things and much to lose, including one's focus. That's what I do in cases like this week when I face challenge after challenge; I focus on those things I can impact and move forward and that's what I did with the chap on the phone; I said my piece and moved on a little less burdened by the situation; I found a better feeling and moved back towards productivity. What's not within my ability to control is his reaction and possible implication of my candour, it's that which I'm happy to let fall away.
There's a time and place to worry over certain matters, and that's when those things matter, or as per the quote says, when the bell rings and one must confront the opponent or challenge. When they are of no consequence worrying about them will become a hindrance, not a help...but must must be prepared to deal with those things also, which is what this quote is all about.
What's your strategy to deal with challenges and adversity that arises in your life? Do you find focus and deal with those things you're able to affect or do you find you become bogged down in the quagmire that is trying to control that which cannot be controlled? Feel free to comment if you like.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
Any images in this post are my own
I have a friend in California who owns a trucking company and I can for sure say when its time to work he on on that phone getting everything in order, checking routes optimum path, he is on his phone cranking it up yelling at times as if I am watching a commander ordering his troops in the battle field. Things always goes wrong and he picks up the phone instantly. I completely understand your struggle @Galenkp. My buddy likes to tell me all about how something went really well made a shit ton of profit and in some other days he is being challenged with situations not easy to solve. And 99%... actually 100% is because its a people problem.
There is lots of emotions in that industry.
what I find very interesting is I am not sure if its because of the work style of trucking industry or maybe its his personality... He knows how to stop a conversation when the phone rings and if something is good and/or bad there is a lot of fast talking, pin point decision making on the spot, calling other connections when things down follow through.. ect. Soooo much going on .. and then after he hangs up the phone.... he just comes back to me and continues what we ate for dinner yesterday smiling and laughing. hahahahahaha!!
Its like he has a control switch on him that turns trucking biz work mode on and off.
I am a pretty good listener so he likes to explain to me a lot about his work. I like to listen cause I think it helps him relieve some stress during the day. I can say it ain't easy work... not sure how many can really understand your situation until they see it in action.
I guess when those challenges arise it needs to be solved swiftly... straight up if something ain't right you just gotta be responsible and stick with the plan until further solutions are thought out. I sometimes think life is almost the same and how logistics companies handle problems. Sometimes its under your control and sometimes it ain't. I learn from my buddy that the ones that is not under your control needs to be the most cut throat diligent, if there is a loss just eat it up and quickly move on to the next.
Thats what I learned how to deal with situations from being there for my trucking friend. :)
Monkey see, monkey do.
Ah here you are, someone who actually has a clue about trucking, transport and logistics. Yeah, it's a massive and vicious beast indeed and can, at times, have a voracious appetite.
I always find it interesting how clueless people are about what things would look like without a functional logistics and transport industry. I can explain it simply: Three to four days without it and the shelves are empty, the gas stations have no fuel, public transport stops, business stops...and the chaos starts.
I'm less involved with the operational aspects, the routes and all, and more about winning the clients who can be anyone from a small business to a multi-national company like Ceva Logistics spending millions on transport a year with us. It's interesting work but the immediacy of it means there's stress and pressure.
The biggest reason why I often prefer to work alone, especially when I have a task job assigned to me, is that people will always reason differently, and there will often be people that will never match your energy to do the job efficiently and effectively. Those kinds of people, regardless of their heirachy of authority, tend to slow me down, and I freaking hate it.
But I have come to understand that working with people will always be inevitable as one cannot be qualified for everything and therefore one will need to be in a team or such somehow.
What I'm trying to do now, which is new, is to do my part of the job as well and quickly as possible while also encouraging the less-motivated or less goal-driven teammate (if we're coworkers). If it were someone higher in authority, I'd try not to give a damn at all and then know that whatever consequence arises for not achieving our goal wouldn't be on me, but on them.
I get easily irritated by drawbacks, so I normally express my frustration and then eventually seem unreasonable. I know that I really cannot control their motives and attitudes, so I just try to let it be.
I understand but we have to work with others mostly, if not in our jobs then just in general society. It's important to learn the skills to work around issues, work with others and know when to cut them lose.
Yep.
This happens for sure, but the best leaders know it's happening, that they do it, and make rapid changes as being like this isn't conducive to being a good leader.
Nope, but you can empower them to find better attitudes.
Thanks for your comment and candour.
What has been conveyed by Marciano is a winning mentality. One must prepare oneself to face problems only when problems come. A very good quote.
I have a principle not to look for problems. When problems come, I will really deal with them.
What I face is limited to authority and I can control it. If it's out of control, then I'll let it go.
I once had a problem with someone plotting to fail at a job. He is not broad-minded at all because it would destroy the hopes of many people. The problem is between him and me, not with many people on the team. He didn't dare to confront me, but played a double role behind my back. I actually went to see him and told him what the consequences would be if he really meant to thwart the team's work. It will affect the lives of many people.
Finally, he only conveyed his complaints about the workload he received. I listened with all my heart. How do I know if it doesn't say anything? I replied that "this is just your stepping stone; you are tested for promotion. more burden only for people who can finish it. " We shook hands and all was well.
Life without problems. If problems are not addressed and resolved, then they will become a burden.
This is often an awkward situation and one that needs to be dealt with quickly and confidently as it can be very damaging to individuals and teams alike.
You seem to have found an amicable way forward and probably left his feelings intact which is also important.
Thanks for commenting and sharing your story.
In situations where it gets really choking I do my best to avoid the person and if they are unavoidable I confront them straight (this is like the recent me though)...
Because looking at 5years ago I barely point out people's errors to them I just had to pretend and keep taking their shit, and I really feel bad when my big mom tell people their shit to their face . But I got to understand why she was so straight with them
So the new me, I just let them know their error and possibly we clear our differences out... Amazing content ✌️❤️
I understand the avoidance tactic although I think that just exacerbates the issues that are there, prolongs the situation and prevents forward motion. I prefer to tackle the thing head on.
I think this is a positive for you and it will be interesting to see how this process works out and if you see it as a much better way to deal with things.
Yes truly I now see it as a much better way,
and it's really mature
Stunning shot. Nice eye. I find it very appealing to have such a detailed flower in sharp focus and the rest fade a little out.
I think you did him a favor although he may not even recognize it. If he listened well enough, he may be able to save his butt, and if he continues in that vein, he won't need to worry, That is the kind of person they don't want/need in a management position.
It sounds like you caught his tongue with the lashing.
I'll be honest and say I gave him a bit of a flogging, verbally, but I think he deserved it. I'm a pretty straightforward sort of fellow and when pushed will react in some way or the other. I have no fear of losing my job, and, in fact, this event probably cements my position more. I don't know if he'll take it on board, he's a former prison guard and isn't used to managing as such, but if he does not, his days are numbered.
Cool snap huh? I have a similar one with the flower closed which I will use eventually also.
Thanks for commenting and happy closer to the end of the week day. 🙂
It is a pretty cool shot. The light is perfect and you captured the beauty of the veins.
Not bad considering I haven't edited it. (I don't know how to photo edit.)
Cell phone? I find that most cell phone pictures don't require editing. Ot perhaps I'm just easy going.
Nah, used my Olympus mirrorless, but you're right, my Samsung S22 is what most of the images I use are taken on and they seem fine for my mediocre blogs. 😁
Blasphemy!
That's insulting to your fine styled writing. Pfft.
I lot to learn from this post. Putting in your best and not allowing I’ll equipped leaders to run every ones work down. Let me read it again before penning down a response that will have many personal take always for the future
I've been a leader for a long time myself and whilst I don't always do it right I own the role and my actions; it's what every good leader does. That person I speak of here is not that way inclined and I believe it will be his downfall. Who knows, I may take his role.
Sorry to hear about the work stress. Very difficult when the option to avoid certain people is impossible.
Your opening shot was beautiful though. Well taken and edited.
Yep, it's kid of sucky but I get paid well to deal with it and so I deal with it. I think that call went well, at least from my perspective and quite probably that fellow will address his attitudes because of it.
And thank you, I took this snap a few weeks back and have been waiting for the opportune moment to use it. I also have a similar one but with the flower closed which I'll use at some stage.
I hope you get the support you need.
It sometimes doesn't work out good when you let someone UP the chain know just how you feel.
Glad you feel better.
That's the thing, I don't need support from someone who doesn't have the level of skills I have. It's a new appointment and he's out of his depth and I pointed that out, clearly. I don't think he'll last long though, I'm not the only one who has pointed out his failings directly to him and above him.
I've been around for a long time and understand this, and yet I still tore shreds off him for thirty minutes and will do so again. I'm in a unique position in which I don't care; I know my value, have already been offered a national role by one of the companies' competitors and have many other options. So, I said my piece.
I'm not one to respond meekly to fuckassery, don't pull punches and don't roll over. I enjoy working with the people at State level and we have a good thing going, so I don't want to leave, besides, I'll get more satisfaction from staying and seeing that fellow drown under the weight of pressure he is incapable of handling.
You're right, being prepared is more important. But idk why I'm not always prepared emotionally but when it comes to physically, I'm prepared. It's like I feel sad about myself for being too soft and emotional when stressed were attacking me. But I like the last part, maybe tomorrow is not promised but being humble and kind saves the day.
I believe a person needs to have a high level of preparedness for various aspects of life and that means physically, mentally and emotionally. Life looks easy, seems easy, mostly but it's not really. It takes effort to do it well.
Also, I'm sorry, I don't know what idk means.
Oh sorry, idk means "I don't know." Also hehe
Ah ok, I'm clearly not up with the latest acronyms these days.
For me, I try as much as possible to remain calm, take steps to manage the situation that I can, and always remind myself that I can't change what I can't control so I honestly let it off my chest. I believe in due time everything will fall in place.
Staying calm helps, although I guess it's not always possible.
This is one way to deal with things of course, but it's a little reactive and some prefer to be more proactive when it comes to dealing with challenges.
Thanks for your comment.
So difficult to deal with people that stresses people. I wonder when will they raise their awareness.
Some may never find enlightenment and I believe this character to be one such person. Ego and hubris hold a person back and whilst some may weasel their way into management positions, in this modern society, they tend not to stay there.
It wasn't until you mentioned this I began to see a great deal of myself in this post. I will definitely be writing my experience in my next post here....
By the way @galenkp I have been meaning to ask how you arrange your post. i really do like it.
Hi there and thanks for your comment, I'll look out for your post.
Sometimes we get more stressed thinking about the stress and outcome of a certain situation which only has half the probability of going wrong.
This is true and is one of the reasons a person should take ownership and responsibility over the matter, apply some action, and see it resolved.
Dealing with stuff here also. Landstar Corp. Just cut the BCO's off at the knees.
Costs spiralling out of control and now they cut off unloading pay and extra fuel being moved from linehaul to 100% driver.
Just another nudge in the direction of selling the prime and calling it a
DayCareer...Also...There's a solution.
Autonomous trucks with logistics systems, scheduling, loading and unloading run by computers, overseen by other computers and all of those computers made by computers. Sound awesome?
Hmm, they made a series of movies about this concept...Didn't end well for the humans as I recall.
They say technology creates jobs...Well, I guess they need one guy to flick the power switch or something like that...Too bad for the other billions of people...But they can get Uber food delivered to their fat asses sat on their couches. Thank you technology. #winning
Humanity is fucked bro.
Thinking about you over there. Shot you a line on discord but didn't hear back, you guys ok?
Gurgle gurgle... Blub blub blub. Gasp...
Paddle paddle. Spit...
Glug glug... Gurgle gurgle.!!
All good here. Hard to fathom a storm that size coming so close and not one single drop of rain here.
Just wind with tree debri everywhere. A few tops blew out. Minor cleanup.
Port Charles/Ft Myers and central FLA is a mess. 8th strongest FLA hurricane ever.
And right now your future home in North Carolina is under water with flooding from same storm.
Miss ya bro. Git bizzy posting. Fuk the haters, and race baiters. You got shit to
saywrite. And we gotearseyes to listen with..? Huh..?They’re saying record breaking winds and the damage we’re seeing is unimaginable but somehow it’s not even a cat 5. I’m glad you’re good. Looks devastating from the internet.
Yeah I’ll definitely have generator backup and a kayak or maybe when we get there we’ll be like Tennessee it is!
Your appreciation makes me feel all warm inside like chocolate Nutella in a beignet. = } Plenty of content headed your way dude just in that transition phase again where I barely have time to pay attention.
Lies Lies Lies Yeah..!
Ahhh Shit..! Another Reply/Comment Gone
ViralWild. √ the Post @dandays.Yeah man, pressure mounts. The funny (not so funny) thing is that if they cease to incentivise drivers they won't climb up into the cab. And then...Let's see what happens when consignments don't move and there's nothing on the shelves. Chaos will reign. The funny part? No fucker seems to care.
The same happens here Randy.
In my work experience I believe that no one is better than the others, and that in the line of command must always prevail the productivity that is the general purpose, and for this line of human beings to be possible we all must subordinate the personal; to do an honest, constant, respectful and professional work.
This breaking point is called (until the bell rings) as you rightly put it.
Otherwise, it always ends in failure, in a breakdown @galenkp