Once upon a time (circa 1998), iPhones didn’t exist. Cell phones were rare. And generally, when the duty day was over, you were off.
I was working late at the college to catch up on some stuff. I heard the big boss was looking for something my immediate boss was to have provided, but hadn’t yet done. It wasn’t complicated, my boss had simply forgotten. I knew what was needed and just went ahead and did it. Thus saving my boss from, at least, a chew out aka dressing down aka criticism from our big boss.
The next day at our small staff meeting, my boss first thanked me, but then proceeded to critique me for not doing it as she would have done.
I had a unique situation at the college. I was pleased to be employed there to supplement my military pension. I was glad I could help train people to be better supervisors and leaders. I wasn’t striving to be vice president of anything at the college. Therefore, I was no threat to anyone and could be a mentor to others because of my age and experience. Soooo I went to see my immediate boss privately to try my mentoring skills, however meager they were.
I said please let me tell you what just happened at that staff meeting. You criticized me soundly for not doing something yesterday as you would have done. Fact is, you didn’t do it and the big boss wanted it. I pulled your butt from the fire. A simple “Thank you” at the staff meeting would have sufficed.
What do you think may happen if I were the typical employee and a similar problem/ opportunity occurred? The fireman instinct may just not be present. Was that your intent? I think not. Did I make my point? Who knows? But I tried. I didn’t get fired. Enuf.