in the past years, I have done many RAKs. I have been the giver as well as the receiver. It's really been fun, as I am not a "game player."
At work the other day, one of the bosses, decided since Christmas, they have seen people not getting along, and things are slipping. So they decided what we needed to do was RAKs. However, they had us pick names. We are to do special things for the person we picked.
However, there are main walls we will have to jump. The person I have, works in a different area than I do. This means, that I will have to go out of the way to do something nice. They really didn't want us to put a "dollar" figure on it. So this means, I would have to take my break or lunch time to find her and do something. Plus I might be taking her away from her job doing this. And it could be the same way with others.
I have no problem with my person, as we worked at one time very close, and are always doing things for each other. I am the only person that can give her a bad time, as she doesn't take it to heart, as she does with others. We are good friends.
However, there are others, who are having problems with this as they are very private, as my close co-worker that I have now, and I scared, as she is just in 6 months,is just starting to come out to me, this might push her back into her shell.
I feel force to do this. That the "Random" is really not there. It's planned. Then to top it off, we are to talk about, what we did, and how did we feel doing it. This is going to last for this month.
Should I come clean and let them know that I felt force, and I wasn't doing it because I saw the need? That its wasn't what I felt was random, but pre-planned? And it didn't give me the feeling I have felt from doing something random? As right now, I don't feel that it's the true RAK. And maybe it would have worked better, if it was general things, seeing a need and doing it, than pick a person.
I would love your help on this. As there is so much RAK's here. And I don't really want to step on this boss' toes. As she is the sweetest thing. But right now, I don't feel it's a RAK
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Be Nice, or I will Crop you out!
Discussion
re: Feed Back on RAK......Mar 7, 2010 10:25:08 AM
I can see that this is a difficult situation, and maybe your boss is in the right train just not on the right track. I would just try to make the best of the situation and maybe do some "REAL" RAKs whenever possible. _____________________________ Come visit my new blog! http://donnawoods.typepad.com/my-crazy-crafty-life/ |
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re: Feed Back on RAK......Mar 7, 2010 1:00:35 PM
I agree that this really isn't a RAK in the true sense of the word but it is a team building experience. Perhaps you could make your co-worker something nice for her desk and make her a little card with a note about how you enjoyed working with her and hope you can again. I think your boss is just looking to spread some positive energy - good luck _____________________________ aspromised |
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re: Feed Back on RAK......Mar 7, 2010 2:21:44 PM
I understand your boss's intent but you should gently talk to her and explain the difference between a RAK and a SAK (scheduled act of kindess), a MAK (mandatory act of kindness), or a FAK (forced act of kindness), lol. My husband came up with those acronyms. Basically the idea of a stranger paying your toll or putting a quarter in your expired parking meter is a RAK. Someone who does something from the heart with no strings attached. Or for example, last weekend we got two newspapers delivered by accident; my husband was going to throw one away but I was on my way to the gas station and I told him I'd give it to someone. When I pulled up to the gas pumps, there was a man fueling next to me and I asked him if he wanted a newspaper. He looked at me bewildered and I explained it was new and extra and he accepted it. He smiled and he waved to me when he left... it was pretty cool and I think it made both of our days :) So let your boss know that there might be other ways to come together and lift the spirits of your co-workers. Perhaps through food or sweets. Perhaps you can have a "sweet" day and everyone (who would like to participate) could bring some sweets and you can set them up on a table in the break room. Or maybe you can advertise a book/magazine swap. Most of us have books laying around the house that we've already read (or have tried to read). Have those who would like ot participate bring in books/magazines. You can even put your paper crafting talents to work and you can make some bookmarks to give away. If you have a lot of co-workers, I could help you make bookmarks and I'll mail them to you. Best of luck :) _____________________________ Sylvia  |
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re: Feed Back on RAK......Mar 7, 2010 5:00:38 PM
Jackie, I think you know what to do. The hardest part is working up the courage and to find the right way to say how you feel. This is such a sensitive area because this is where you earn your living so the last thing you want to do is dig a hole for yourself. Kudos to your boss for trying to come up with a way to make a better work environment for everyone BUT this wasn't the way to go about it and if you're strong enough to tell her, I think everyone would benefit from your courage._____________________________ Sylvia |
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re: Feed Back on RAK......Mar 7, 2010 6:24:46 PM
I think the main problem is the co -boss is soooooooooo sweet. And she has just gotten to the point she has a voice. I don't know if she came up with this or the head boss. However, one of my friends said she wouldn't be surprise, as she is young and she hasn't been around a long time, to understand that you cannot make people like each other. That some of us, have a friendship, and others, are just our co-workers. However, the thing is to respect each other for being who we are. _____________________________ Be Nice, or I will Crop you out! |
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Feed Back on RAK......