[Ukny96]

I don't know what's happening to me (or maybe I do) but it feels like I'm making tons of errors at work, upsetting colleagues and customers alike, and generally doing a shoddy and sloppy job of being a supervisor. Everything feels like it's going wrong and that I'm waiting for the next shoe to fall. And then what happens today, despite me being on vacation? Of course, A customer is upset over some relatively small incident (which I guess is partially my fault) . I can't seem to win. I need some things to go my way, but of late nothing workwise seems to go well or smoothly.

Perhaps this is my mental state, my interpretation of the situation or the fact that I really want to leave this job right now, but I'm feeling so helpless, inept and frustrated.

Just wanted to vent--thanks for letting me--and to see if anyone else can relate.

[worrist]

Been there; done that! I can totally relate. It seems once I notice that I've messed up, that's all I look at. What has helped me in the past is to write down every day in something called a GLAD log. Gratitude, Learning, Accomplishment, Delight. When I have those days, i look back and review that log to prove to myself that I'm not a failure and always mess up. This has really helped me put things into perspective. There are other varieties of logs out there. The gist is to write down all of your accomplishment no matter how big or small they are.

[Misssy2]

Originally Posted by Ukny96

I don't know what's happening to me (or maybe I do) but it feels like I'm making tons of errors at work, upsetting colleagues and customers alike, and generally doing a shoddy and sloppy job of being a supervisor. Everything feels like it's going wrong and that I'm waiting for the next shoe to fall.

Perhaps this is my mental state, my interpretation of the situation or the fact that I really want to leave this job right now, but I'm feeling so helpless, inept and frustrated.

relate.

I have been here too and I DID end up walking out of a career that I had for 19 years.

You say you are making tons of errors at work: 3 things

1 - are you getting enough sleep? Lack of sleep can seriously impact performance, memory and behaviors. This was part of my problem.

2 - are you able when you work to focus on the task at hand and NOT be thinking forward to what is next? It is very important - I learned by a Vietnemese gentlemen that I worked with to maintain focus on the task at hand....To NOT think about the end result or finishing the task but if you are say tying a knot or something....the KNOT is the main focus and when other things pop in your head...like the conversation you had last or the email you sent or when lunch hour is...you could screw up the KNOT...its all about focus....work on maintaining the fact...that while you are working on something it is that MOMENT you need to focus on and errors will decrease.

3 - Always remember....that this is a job...and your life outside is your life outside. While at work maintain professionalism at all times. Be accountable for your behaviors and job performance. If you act out on a feeling and know that you were wrong immediately pull that person aside and apologize and then get back to whatever task is at hand. If someone has offended you....pull them aside and tell them how the next time in the same situation you would like them to address issues with you.

Because if you have all these things on your mind...how you are interacting with colleagues and customers..you are blocking your potential of being a role model as a professional supervisor. You can't have "feelings" at work..you need to maintain your composure at all times.

One time I was in a meeting and my own team member said something that I thought made me look bad in front of other people from other departments. After the meeting I pulled him aside and asked him if he could in the future...pull me aside and discuss what he thought I was doing wrong vs. embarrassing me in front of others.....With me addressing that issue...that man showed me more respect in future meetings....Always keep it professional that is the best advice I can offer.

[Misssy2]

Sorry, I have ADHD..and when I read your intial post I forgot to incorporate the example I gave you of the knot to be something more related to your situation which is talking to customers.

So...when you are on the phone with a customer....that is IT....the customer is the most important thing in that moment...you always have to maintain your composure with the person on the phone.

If you are sending written correspondence and find yourself in a heated mood....write the correspondence and then walk away from it and come back to it and I PROMISE you that you will change many of the sentences.

I had a problem with sending "heated" emails..and then getting reprimanded by my boss....and his suggestion to me was to do what I just told you....write out your correspondence...walk away...come back....review what you wrote and then there is a chance that you can make more of an impact remaining professional rather than letting your "feelings" get the best of you.

[seesaw]

I honestly think vacation and sleep will do you good.

Also, can you schedule time with your supervisor to ask for help prioritizing and strategizing? Sometimes asking for help and just letting others know your stress level can help ease the load.

Good luck,
seesaw

[Ukny96]

Thanks everybody for your guidance and input. I've been on vacation for over a week for the Holidays and have found it very difficult to relax and not ruminate about work and dread my return to work next week. As for the advice about sleep, I am an AWFUL sleeper. Simply the worst--I have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep and then the ultimate waking up too early. I've no idea how my wife gets a decent night's sleep lying next to "restless" me. I'd be a nervous wreck, if I wasn't already.