This Tip lists the reasons why I wouldn’t want to be a manager or a Chief Inspector on election day because I don’t want the responsibility.
I work the polls here in Wisconsin every election. I’m happy to register new voters, check the registered voters in, hand them ballots, and help them if they choose to vote electronically. I’ll process absentee votes, move tables and break down voting booths when the election is over. I’ll even bake brownies for the other volunteers.
But what I won’t do is volunteer to be the Chief Inspector.
Why I Wouldn’t Want to be a Chief Inspector
There are many reasons why.
I don’t want the responsibility and stress of:
- Assigning roles and responsibilities.
- Processing lots of paperwork.
- Managing compliance issues.
- Reconciling data.
- Providing multiple reports.
- Problem solving voter eligibility issues.
- Intervening in any disputes.
- Keeping volunteers motivated.
- Handling sensitive equipment.
- Supervising election observers.
- Working fourteen hours.
- Attending many meetings.
- Jumping through administrative hoops.
- Answering all election-related questions.
- Being answerable for any discrepancies.
In short, they are responsible for anything and everything related to the election work at the site, before, during, and after the election.
Why I Wouldn’t Want to be a Manager
Which leads me to recognize that these are many of the same reasons why approximately two-thirds of employees aren’t interested in becoming managers.
They are not attracted to the:
- increased workload,
- long hours,
- additional stress,
- supervisory responsibilities,
- loss of work-life balance,
- administrative tasks,
- multiple meeting requirements,
- employee disputes,
- compliance issues,
- motivational problems,
- performance monitoring,
- personnel matters, and
- decision-making pressures.
Let’s face it. Managers often get a bad rap. Sometimes that is justified because they manage poorly, and their staff suffers.
But many managers fight the good fight. They do the very best they can to make sure their staff and their programs are successful.
I’m sure there are many compensating rewards to being a manager. They just don’t come to mind at the moment.
It’s a hard job and I’m glad they’re willing to do it.
Is anyone out there itching to be a manager? If so, please tell me why.
May your learning be sweet,
Deborah
#management #manager #chiefinspector #laurelandassociates #hrmanagers
