Just…SO Annoyed! (Work Related)

I got put in charge of a “Kitchen Facelift” project at work. There are 4 other members on the team, all from different departments. We’ve had several weeks of group brainstorming chats, plus three formal meetings. This project is almost comical. The space is a kitchen space for making coffee and eating lunch, and the original ideas the group members had was to take out the fridge and put in couches and tv’s. That was actually a huge battle, but once the Executive Director said no and not to change the function of the room, they got more onboard. We settled on a plan, and I asked them to source specific items they had wanted. Today we had a meeting which was supposed to be for finalizing the plan because the written proposal is due on Friday. They wanted to completely change the plan. I honestly almost lost it in the meeting. I know that as the lead it is my obligation to reign all of this in, but I was not up to the task today. I’m also tired of talking through the same issues over and over, and having someone whine about wanting something then not finding the product so that we can put it in the proposal. I’m exhausted of arguing about things that don’t make any sense and can’t wait for this project to be over. Is this just what these projects are like in the workplace? Remind me not to volunteer again. Lol

3 years ago

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I’ve gone through this similar process, with my spouse and designing new landscaping and patio. We (he) consulted our daughter who is an interior designer and has a great artistic eye. I especially didn’t appreciate it, though, when he and I had finally agreed on the plan, and he asked her opinion again and she suggested a change which he then passed on and okayed with the landscaping company. Ugh. I can sort of relate. Hope you get through the whole deal with friendly conclusions and relief of stress.

rachylou

This is probably why I’ve always been in hard manufacturing. It’s upsetting to know just how long people can argue over the FONT for an interoffice MEMO. Ugh.

unfrumped

Sounds frustrating! Hard to have a kitchen with no frig. Or have to eat lunch on the sofa. Sending calming thoughts. It’s a “growth experience” for sure.

Anonymous

I’m so sorry, those committees can grind you down to a pulp. Take a moment, breathe, and pretend you’re starring in The Office. Make some executive decisions if possible!

kkards

& this is why you should never volunteer

LOL, its always the projects with the least amount of impact on the actual job that seem to be the most contentious. (not that a kitchen/breakroom isn't important, but i'm guessing its not germane to what your organization actually does)

Cardiff girl

This is why benign dictatorship works better than a democracy ,at work at least!

kellygirl

Lol! I'm sorry it has been such a trying experience! I whole heartedly agree with the benign dictatorship approach.

DonnaF

Oh, I feel for you. Was there any discussion on process, preferably at the outset? Like majority rules or that you would be the tie breaker? Or was consensus more or less the plan? Party planning can be a headache, but more complex projects like yours can be a marriage breaker. Deep breaths.

Kyle

Every ship needs a captain to stay on course. Committee decision-making rarely results in the best outcome, though committees can be useful for gathering ideas and brainstorming if one person then translates the team’s input into a cohesive recommendation. This was one of the biggest reasons I left a very good job at a major corporation to start my own business. I was tired of wasting time in meetings just like the one you describe.

Bijou

Sending you calming vibes. This situation would test the patience of a saint. I really admire you for stepping up and volunteering for this project.

chewyspaghetti

Thanks so much, everyone. I am definitely learning a lot- and hopefully, the kitchen will turn out well!

April

Post of picture of the space if you can! Hope it's going better for you now than it was last week.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I'm sure the kitchen will turn out fabulously under your supervision and leadership!

Here is my inspiration board, and also the pretty new fridge (in the terrible location the group agreed to put it).
One of the other team members and myself had a discussion about the proposal with our executive director the other day. She didn’t have a problem with the design, and thought the cost was reasonable so she was going to talk to fiscal about finding the money in the budget. I will post before and after pictures when it’s dine!

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Nice inspiration board and unfortunate fridge location. That sure looks like a place you'd want to keep open to enjoy the view. Maybe you can coax them into a better layout once all of the pieces are in place. If nothing else, you are getting great experience working on restraint. I would have lost it by now. Hugs to you!

Thanks Kelly! The new fridge has an icemaker, and this is the only place we can put it and have it hooked up to the water, so it will stay there. I really tried to find a bigger fridge that didn’t have an icemaker, but couldn’t…oh well!

Barbara Diane

A learning experience, for sure.

Maybe in retrospect, some of this could have been done via written communication, instead of so many meetings?

Enjoy once it's all installed.

We only had two scheduled meetings (well, a third today). I think that too much written communication via TEAMs chat and emails that got missed were part of the problem.
Last Friday we found out we are getting an organization wide cost of living raise, which is great news- but it might mean there won’t be money left in the budget for the kitchen, after all.

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