Arbitrary staff raises--administrative assistants

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

Arbitrary staff raises--administrative assistants

Date: Apr 20, 2004

One of the things that I have noticed about this administration is that it seems to enjoy creating and operating in panic mode. Originally, I heard that because of Shelby's age and health that he didn't "have the time" to convince the faculty of his vision and engage in the debates, which would inevitably ensue about its wisdom. His emphasis on decisive action and efficency is one of the attributes for which he is lauded by supporters like Roy Klumb. As I have watched this administration in action, however, I have come to believe that it intentionally sets up chaos to keep good management principles and good managers from being effective.

The mid-year raises are a good example. They were sprung on the colleges with deadlines that did not allow proper evaluation and implementation. Viewed in the best possible light, they were meant to publicly reward the university's top performers. Viewed more critically, they were designed to be divisive, controversial, and poorly implemented. Once again, bad decision, lie, and cover up.

Fire Shelby is correct in bringing the plight of overworked, poorly paid staffers to the forefront. Fire Shelby is once again correct in pointing out the arbitrary processes that were follwed for mid-year raises. I can't help but believe, however, that if senior administrators would stop operating in crisis mode, the business of running a university and its individual units would proceed more smoothly.

Date: Apr 20, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Salesperson
"One of the things that I have noticed about this administration is that it seems to enjoy creating and operating in panic mode. Originally, I heard that because of Shelby's age and health that he didn't "have the time" to convince the faculty of his vision and engage in the debates, which would inevitably ensue about its wisdom. His emphasis on decisive action and efficency is one of the attributes for which he is lauded by supporters like Roy Klumb. As I have watched this administration in action, however, I have come to believe that it intentionally sets up chaos to keep good management principles and good managers from being effective. The mid-year raises are a good example. They were sprung on the colleges with deadlines that did not allow proper evaluation and implementation. Viewed in the best possible light, they were meant to publicly reward the university's top performers. Viewed more critically, they were designed to be divisive, controversial, and poorly implemented. Once again, bad decision, lie, and cover up. Fire Shelby is correct in bringing the plight of overworked, poorly paid staffers to the forefront. Fire Shelby is once again correct in pointing out the arbitrary processes that were follwed for mid-year raises. I can't help but believe, however, that if senior administrators would stop operating in crisis mode, the business of running a university and its individual units would proceed more smoothly. "

Again, great post, Salesperson. I like your style! Very thoughtful and so true. I've thought that USM has treated its staff poorly since the late 70s when my mother worked at USM. It's criminal what staffers get paid (esp. admin. asst.). Back in the mid-90s when I worked at the Honors College, I asked our admin. asst. why she put up with such lousy pay. She told me that she was there for the other perks--more vacation time than the private sector was one example. She has since left USM, though, so I suppose even 2 weeks paid vacation at Xmas doesn't compensate for everything.

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm
"Again, great post, Salesperson. I like your style! Very thoughtful and so true. I've thought that USM has treated its staff poorly since the late 70s when my mother worked at USM. It's criminal what staffers get paid (esp. admin. asst.). Back in the mid-90s when I worked at the Honors College, I asked our admin. asst. why she put up with such lousy pay. She told me that she was there for the other perks--more vacation time than the private sector was one example. She has since left USM, though, so I suppose even 2 weeks paid vacation at Xmas doesn't compensate for everything."

If it was bad then, it is horrible today. The admin assistants bear the weight of Shelby's micromanagement.

Date: Apr 20, 2004

For what it is worth. Back sometime I obtained raises for two of my folks. The process was not too timely. I made an appointment with Dvorak in HR and he explained all of the hoops I had to complete. The hoops were not as bad as soem say and I know you do not like him but honestly he made a difference for two of my people.

During my process I had to implement another issue and I saw him take on the Provost over another employee. In that situation Dvorak got trumped, handcuffed and was p***ed tot he point I thought he was going to get the axe.

Staffers ought to atleast seek the same help. It coulf pay off? Mine did.

Date: Apr 20, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Questions
" Staffers ought to atleast seek the same help. It coulf pay off? Mine did."

Good for you for going to bat for your staff. Problem is, not every boss feels the way you do at USM. They're not all willing to "go the extra mile" to make sure their employees are fairly compensated.

The other, bigger problem is that raises are given arbitrarily, with no regard to seniority or performance. Since SFT is so fond of "matrices," let's see a matrix for staff raises, and how they can be earned. Trust me, you'll never see such a document.

Date: Apr 20, 2004

Truth:

Have I done soemthing wrong to you????????? I simply responded to the thread.

There is criteria. Also sorry for being such a good boss. Moreover, although my issue did not involve seniority I did have documentation to support performance. And yes there are some here on campus with more seniority than other but I would not hire them PERIOD.

But man--I do not understand the tone.

Thinking back when we could talk civilized! Huh

Date: Apr 20, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Questions
"Truth: Have I done soemthing wrong to you????????? I simply responded to the thread. There is criteria. Also sorry for being such a good boss. Moreover, although my issue did not involve seniority I did have documentation to support performance. And yes there are some here on campus with more seniority than other but I would not hire them PERIOD. But man--I do not understand the tone. Thinking back when we could talk civilized! Huh"

Don't see anything wrong with my tone in the above post. Who are you??? You seem to indicate that we know each other....hmmm, if you want to talk personally you can always reach me at truth@FireThames.com