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Professionalism in the workplace

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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
So, to preface I work in my county's courthouse in the Clerk's office for Superior Court. I handle adult felonies which means I see, hear, and meet some of the worst of the worst on a daily basis. I am expected to appear to work in a suit every day for work.

So, keeping all that in mind you'd imagine we have to conduct ourselves in this office in a professional manner. I ROUTINELY hear one of the two ladies working at our front counter ask a member of the public who is looking for information on a loved one that was arrested for a felony "are they still locked up" instead of like "are they in custody at the jail", chewing gum... and the annoying farm animal mouth open type of chewing gum. One person in my department will routinely call out sick on Monday's with a "102 degree fever" and then show up on Tuesday seemingly just fine and answers the phone when the public calls like she's annoyed that she has to be bothered with it.

Am I asking for too much here? You know, cut the gum chewing, don't ask if someone is "locked up" and treat members of the public with the respect we would want them to treat us with?


tl;dr... I am 29 and working at the courthouse and people far older than me that should know better act like unprofessional twats on a routine basis.

And just so people have something fun to watch if they don't want to respond:
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/885516/Frank-Castle--The-Punisher----Ain--39-t-No-Grave
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Dec 11 2017 5:34PM
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Casey
Posts: 7878 - Karma: 24,688
Personally I don't give a shit if my co-workers call in sick. It's just cover for when I do it.

If you really have a problem with professionalism you should do the professional thing and talk to the person 1 on 1 about your issues. If you don't feel comfortable with that, you should go to your supervisor and say I've noticed Sally is at times uncomfortably blunt with our customers, she may not be aware of it and I think she could benefit from further training.

It sounds like you just don't like them, so every thing they do bothers you. But what do I know.
Dec 11 2017 5:44PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
CaseyPersonally I don't give a shit if my co-workers call in sick. It's just cover for when I do it.

If you really have a problem with professionalism you should do the professional thing and talk to the person 1 on 1 about your issues. If you don't feel comfortable with that, you should go to your supervisor and say I've noticed Sally is at times uncomfortably blunt with our customers, she may not be aware of it and I think she could benefit from further training.

It sounds like you just don't like them, so every thing they do bothers you. But what do I know.


I get that but I feel like where I work I shouldn't NEED to bring it up, it should be that way automatically. I've brought up the gum thing to the office boss and the person individually once already and it didn't stop.
Dec 11 2017 5:46PM
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Casey
Posts: 7878 - Karma: 24,688
Mr.PandaI get that but I feel like where I work I shouldn't NEED to bring it up, it should be that way automatically. I've brought up the gum thing to the office boss and the person individually once already and it didn't stop.


Yeah I completely get the idea of having certain expectations that should go unsaid. But I actually took a workshop on this very thing at work and what they would say is to remain calm, go back to them again and say: The last time we spoke about this issue I thought every one was clear of the expectation that XY and Z was going to change. Since it hasn't I am wondering if those expectations were not clear to you, or if there is some other reason why xyz is still happening.

I mean yeah, in order to win you have to quell all emotion, be crystal clear about what you want, and follow up relentlessly when your expectations are not met. It's fucking annoying as shit and at times uncomfortable to pursue stuff like this, but that's how it's done.
Dec 11 2017 5:56PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
CaseyYeah I completely get the idea of having certain expectations that should go unsaid. But I actually took a workshop on this very thing at work and what they would say is to remain calm, go back to them again and say: The last time we spoke about this issue I thought every one was clear of the expectation that XY and Z was going to change. Since it hasn't I am wondering if those expectations were not clear to you, or if there is some other reason why xyz is still happening.

I mean yeah, in order to win you have to quell all emotion, be crystal clear about what you want, and follow up relentlessly when your expectations are not met. It's fucking annoying as shit and at times uncomfortable to pursue stuff like this, but that's how it's done.


Part of me admittedly wonders if it doesn't stop because I work in the public sector. We basically can't get fired.
Dec 11 2017 6:03PM
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cool_name
Posts: 4295 - Karma: 3,131
Mr.PandaPart of me admittedly wonders if it doesn't stop because I work in the public sector. We basically can't get fired.


Ding Ding we got a winner!

This is why everything ran by the government sucks
Dec 11 2017 6:11PM
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Titus69
Posts: 9329 - Karma: 17,816
Sounds like you have more of an excuse to be unprofessional at work.
My work is very sharp and professional, only on the sales floor though, the shop is full of women being stared at, swearing and burnouts. Fucking love it.
Dec 11 2017 6:17PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
Titus69Sounds like you have more of an excuse to be unprofessional at work.
My work is very sharp and professional, only on the sales floor though, the shop is full of women being stared at, swearing and burnouts. Fucking love it.


I've honestly missed aspects of being a bouncer. At least then the ridiculousness of people made sense.
Dec 11 2017 6:19PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37553 - Karma: 121,826
professionalism and work ethic is fucking dead and long gone in the US. everyone just wants to show up, collect a paycheck, and go home everyday.
Dec 11 2017 6:23PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37553 - Karma: 121,826
I think resort work and government work are similar because absolutely no one gives a shit.
Dec 11 2017 6:24PM
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SkiThe603
Posts: 5376 - Karma: 498
It seems like the people you work with are jaded, they have spent to long at their job and just don’t fucking care. The best way to deal with those people is to have a constant upbeat attitude that shows them although you may not like the work, you are going to do it and with some actual professionalism instead of being the wastes of space that they are. Also you could remind them that people are still in need of work and they are more than welcome to leave if their jobs don’t satisfy them
Dec 11 2017 8:10PM
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Fuckthefuckoff
Posts: 651 - Karma: 891
i used to work at a Meijer and you have no idea how much shit i stole from that place, I probably stole around 2k worth of shit. i probably stole shit every day it worked there tbh
Dec 11 2017 8:14PM
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iced
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 17,973
Feel for you dude. Can't relate much to a full time job and profession, but when i started part time as a lifeguard, I was shocked and disappointed in the lack of professionalism. I get goofing around, but these people were smoking weed and banging in the backroom with unsupervised people on deck. Good luck, maybe chew gum louder than her when no one is around lol
Dec 11 2017 8:45PM
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Lonely
Posts: 6772 - Karma: 62,173
broccoliraabei used to work at a Meijer and you have no idea how much shit i stole from that place, I probably stole around 2k worth of shit. i probably stole shit every day it worked there tbh


/claim
/stupid
Dec 11 2017 9:13PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
icedFeel for you dude. Can't relate much to a full time job and profession, but when i started part time as a lifeguard, I was shocked and disappointed in the lack of professionalism. I get goofing around, but these people were smoking weed and banging in the backroom with unsupervised people on deck. Good luck, maybe chew gum louder than her when no one is around lol


See, I was a bouncer for a year and a half and we fucked around ALL the time... literally and figuratively while on shift but we were goddamn bouncers. Everyone thinks we're douchebags as soon as they see the black shirt with white letters (#blackshirtsmatter damnit) but at my current job it drives me nuts.
Dec 12 2017 10:47AM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
Are you asking too much? No. Are you expecting too much, Yes. Obviously management doesn't see a problem with it or is not handling the issues to your standards so there is little you can do. Government work tends to be little training and low oversight. Should we expect more out of them, of course. Yet it rarely does. Don't lower your game, hope they raise theirs.
Dec 12 2017 11:18AM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
snowpocalypseGovernment work tends to be little training and low oversight. Should we expect more out of them, of course. Yet it rarely does.

There's a reason most of my applications that I have sent out recently are to private companies or big private firms. At least we can be held accountable there.
Dec 12 2017 11:22AM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
Mr.PandaThere's a reason most of my applications that I have sent out recently are to private companies or big private firms. At least we can be held accountable there.


Looks like your headed down the right track. As you are applying check our Glassdoor.com They have lost of useful info from current and former employees. It gives you a great inside look into the companies work life. Good luck.
Dec 12 2017 11:27AM
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DirtYStylE
Posts: 3652 - Karma: 8,889
Caseygo back to them again and say: The last time we spoke about this issue I thought every one was clear of the expectation that XY and Z was going to change. Since it hasn't I am wondering if those expectations were not clear to you, or if there is some other reason why xyz is still happening.


So this is really good and something that you could do... and now I remember a quote for you, "being angry is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die" You can either deal with the situation or let it slide till you move on.

I can't really say more without getting deeply philosophical or saying something sexist so... /threads for later
Dec 13 2017 6:01PM
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ChangeCashMoney
Posts: 311 - Karma: 1,318
broccoliraabei used to work at a Meijer and you have no idea how much shit i stole from that place, I probably stole around 2k worth of shit. i probably stole shit every day it worked there tbh


Well you sound like a real stand up guy. Cream of the crop.
Dec 14 2017 10:30PM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9217 - Karma: 5,399
Mr.PandaI ROUTINELY hear one of the two ladies working at our front counter ask a member of the public who is looking for information on a loved one that was arrested for a felony "are they still locked up" instead of like "are they in custody at the jail", chewing gum... and the annoying farm animal mouth open type of chewing gum.

On the contrary, you have a tv show stereotype secretary type worker. You just have to be entertained by it instead.
Dec 14 2017 10:51PM
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ChangeCashMoney
Posts: 311 - Karma: 1,318
a_pla5tic_bagOn the contrary, you have a tv show stereotype secretary type worker. You just have to be entertained by it instead.


I'm with this. You can't change other people's attitudes, so you might as well find humor in them.
Dec 14 2017 10:55PM
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iced
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 17,973
ChangeCashMoneyWell you sound like a real stand up guy. Cream of the crop.


Its doublecup

he is no "guy". he is more or less a thin mist of sexual desire and frustration with no physical body
Dec 14 2017 10:55PM
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weedoo
Posts: 650 - Karma: 1,843
Im no where near an actual career in my life right now as I’m only 18 but with my retail job, one of my coworkers was SUPER rude with customers and didnt even know it, I was just straight up with her and told her politely that she could be a little less blunt and insisted on answering phone calls when I could because that would limit the amount of chances she could piss someone off by saying something she shouldn’t have, and she was thankful for the advice and changed her approach. Maybe just talk to her OP, she might be really appreciative that you would notice that as that kinda thing sounds important for customer feedback.
Dec 14 2017 11:47PM
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SterlingArcher
Posts: 2200 - Karma: 2,456
I also work in county government and couldn't agree more. They're all too comfortable and act untouchable to the public, and are bored so they just gossip all day.. Not to mention local government is just a big rat race / adult version of a popularity contest. My county administrators and a select few of staff who are their dick riders are some of the most two-faced, ignorant, and immature people you'd ever meet. My advice with you is to either keep your head low and just do your job, or find something else to do. Unfortunately, people will be like that most anywhere you work.
Dec 15 2017 1:19PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9791 - Karma: 72,407
Unban gucciman7
Dec 15 2017 6:46PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51751 - Karma: 163,600
I'm having fun with somebody who "doesn't have a problem with anyone" and has epic people skills and a solid taste in music. Just playing the game right now but it's fucking tough when people are full of shit and being petty about stupid shit.

There will always be times where you don't like the people you work with. Sometimes you might even end up in a stressed out, too many hours screaming match. That said if shit's getting done and the people involved don't suck, it goes back to normal. Unfortunately there are people that get in weird drama, start weird bullshit, hold weird grudges, and are just fucking weird. Hopefully I'm not in for fucked season. YOLO
Dec 18 2017 3:08AM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9791 - Karma: 72,407
theabortionatorI'm having fun with somebody who "doesn't have a problem with anyone" and has epic people skills and a solid taste in music. Just playing the game right now but it's fucking tough when people are full of shit and being petty about stupid shit.

There will always be times where you don't like the people you work with. Sometimes you might even end up in a stressed out, too many hours screaming match. That said if shit's getting done and the people involved don't suck, it goes back to normal. Unfortunately there are people that get in weird drama, start weird bullshit, hold weird grudges, and are just fucking weird. Hopefully I'm not in for fucked season. YOLO


Yeah I have to agree with this. I have plenty of people that I work with who I like a lot, but sometimes they make me wanna pull my hair out and tell them to stfu. In the end it all works out
Dec 18 2017 3:52AM
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yelsel
Posts: 12967 - Karma: 3,451
It's the county clerk's, man. They literally do not give any shits. I fucking loathe dealing with any of them.
Dec 18 2017 3:17PM
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Casey
Posts: 7878 - Karma: 24,688
yelselIt's the county clerk's, man. They literally do not give any shits. I fucking loathe dealing with any of them.


Well usually you're only dealing with them if you fucked up and owe the court money, I dunno how much red carpet service you can really expect.
Dec 20 2017 12:43AM
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yelsel
Posts: 12967 - Karma: 3,451
CaseyWell usually you're only dealing with them if you fucked up and owe the court money, I dunno how much red carpet service you can really expect.


I have to deal with them on a number of things, mainly filings and obtaining copies of recorded documents. Either way, it's a shit show.
Dec 20 2017 7:46AM
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Rusticles
Posts: 2180 - Karma: 1,337
I would try and put a bit of a positive/humorous spin on the cow chewing gum lady. kinda jokingly bug her about it. that can take the criticism away

On a similar note, I have taken pictures of equipment in the field and had engineers (usually female) ask to see the photos at a later date, of course when I open my phone to show them the first pic in my photos is the most tasteless meme. This has happened a number of times.
Dec 20 2017 11:25AM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
why do you give a fuck? are you getting paid to deal with or manage these catty broads? forget about them.

the people there are there to get an easy paycheck, shit on democrats, and ride out their PERS 1 contributions. they don't think about you. at all. let it go or find a new job for YOUR sake.
Dec 20 2017 12:32PM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
Have you been to the DMV recently?
Dec 20 2017 10:46PM
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