redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
(OP)
I am getting fed up with doing work for my boss that he assigned on a post it note and then having to redo it because he couldn't be bothered to take 5 minutes to clarify the work to me.
And I am not talking about "things you should know" type things. Stuff like
Make a spreadsheet with these things on it. ( In the redo I learned about which columns should be which and what colors to use ).
Code up a driver for this widget. ( In the redo I learned about the formats and style and interface I should have used ).
If you ask beforehand they essentially communicate ( cmon do I haveto hold ur hand ).
So just how much of a problem employee am I.
And I am not talking about "things you should know" type things. Stuff like
Make a spreadsheet with these things on it. ( In the redo I learned about which columns should be which and what colors to use ).
Code up a driver for this widget. ( In the redo I learned about the formats and style and interface I should have used ).
If you ask beforehand they essentially communicate ( cmon do I haveto hold ur hand ).
So just how much of a problem employee am I.





RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
There's a compromise. You could spend a few minutes working out what questions you need answered, then go back with a better-developed description that offers your proposed answers to those questions, asking if "this is the sort of thing you had in mind". What does this buy you?
- You get your answers before you've invested in detail coding
- You've "brought me solutions, not problems": This might be the type of thinking the boss is trying to encourage - at the very least, he's going to have to find something better to say than "hold your hand"
- It's good practice for when you are responsible for designing more complex projects - where developing the requirement is as important as developing the solution.
A.RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
Option 2) Figure out how to clarify all the requirements before you start, since you know there will be more specifics that you don't have. The first couple times oh well, blame the boss. After that, you know how it will go down so you're wasting your own time by doing the same thing. If you don't know, it is your responsibility to ask.
Option 3) Chat with boss, explain you come to work to be efficient and productive, let's both figure out how we can do that because that's not what has been happening. Perhaps one size larger post-it note that actually has the known constraints would cost the boss 5 more minutes, instead of not having that info, which costs you 2 days.
I'd suggest starting with option 2, but do make sure the clarifications take.... let's just call it a sufficient amount of time to deter the boss from preferring this option. That makes option 3 much easier to swallow.
Sounds like you've started with 2 and need to get moving towards 3.
If the boss won't go with 2 or 3, well that's why I included option 1.
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
Don't sweat it, just learn to do it the boss' way.
You might create a quick mock-up and request their formatting preferences before you complete the job.
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
1gibson
Good suggestions. I will try in order 2,3,1. If I spend time at 1 then brush up the resume.
Thanks
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
We'd present everything to him that his select team came up with....
His response, "No, this is what I wanted."
He lost 8 engineers in the following 6 months out of a team of 12....
He got promoted....
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This is normally the space where people post something insightful.
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
Fundamentally, design 101 is 'know thy requirements' but that ignores 'politics' and the likes.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
It's an approach I often use when I get a verbal instruction/requirement, I'll type it up in an email and send it saying something like "This is the requirement as I understood it and what I'll be working on. If I missed or misunderstood anything please let me know."
Not always effective in actually getting you additional feedback but useful as your 'pearl harbor' file.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
Like Clint, he knows his limitations and uses his employees to his advantage to overcome them.
I realize this is different than a complete instructional package, but... do you happen to be a government employee?
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
For instance the one I'm working with now needs to know the axle weights of a vehicle in two conditions. They are at opposite ends of the input column.
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
If your first response (to anyone, customer or boss) is "this isn't clear enough" or "give me more detail" they will probably think you're either incompetent or being difficult (not saying they're right, just that's the impression they get). Easy way around that: lead off with an affirmative, even if it's piggybacked with a question or request. Examples below.
"Yeah, I can do this. You want everything to fit on an 8.5x11 printout?"
"Sure, I'll put something together and ask you to take a look in 2 hours."
"OK, I'll get started right away. I'll probably check in with you in a bit to make sure we're on the same page."
"I can take a crack at this. I'll start as soon as I get those file locations from you - want me to shoot you a reminder email once I get back to my desk?"
Contrast those with the following:
"How do you want it to look?"
"How long do you want me to spend on this?"
"Can you give me more detail about the end result of the product?"
"Before I start, I need you to send me those file locations."
I've also found that if you show someone the direction you're heading, they'll open up and give you more of their direction, whereas if you just ask questions you tend to get something like "you're the engineer, you figure it out".
Hang in there.
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg
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RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
I think the saying goes "He who has made a start.."
With experience this gets easier and I try to lead people down the path a little because I start to have a pretty good idea of the pitfalls of the assignment; however, I cannot get into everything. Then sometimes I get a snarky attitude..."well you didn't tell me that"; well you get paid to think too. Also, I know that working through this process, called engineering, helps to develop a person with perseverance and the will to work through difficult times.
The spreadsheet issue; have you ever had someone come back to you with just a plain spreadsheet, no lines, no formatting, no headings and then just say "I'm Done." No you are not done, please format, add headings, set the print layout and and test print it to verify that it scales properly and is readable. If I have to take your spreadsheet and spend 2 hours formatting and getting it ready to print because it does not fit nicely on a sheet of paper is that really my fault? The devil is in the details and that is why sometimes it takes more experienced people longer to accomplish the tasks, because through experience we realize there is much more to the task than meets the eye. It is not done until it is done..every last detail including the UPS tracking number.
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
RE: redoing tasks assigned with incomplete instructions.
Unfortunately, this rarely happens.
I've found that many managers have received just as nebulas direction from their up-lines. Someone up the ladder had a fit and some sort of progress needs to be shown ASAP. By giving you a sticky note, your manager can report, "I've assigned the task to snarkysparky and he/she's on it." From there, early on, managers are looking for a lump of clay they can start to form. You provide that.Then, when asked, they can say, "snarkysparky sent me something on this ALREADY, it's on my desk for my review." But they can buy even more time by saying, "I looked over it and I'm having him/her make some changes." What you provide starts to drive the direction of the assignment. Don't spurn oversight, it helps improve overall quality. Finally, from what I've seen, and I want to do more and more myself is when given a pretty big sandbox to play in, YOU tell your manager on your first run what it needs to be. Make your own spec. It makes his/her job easier, and better formed putty to play with.
Honestly, if the feedback is only about columns, formats and colors, you must be doing an awesome job!