I’m writing this early (for me) because I’ll be baking cookies on Wednesday — we have a work holiday party on Thursday, and my husband needs cookies for a cookie swap on Friday. So lots of cookies will be being made. Expect my participation to come in spurts tonight, mostly in the 10 minutes or so while each batch of cookies bakes. :-)
As we approach the end of the year, there are many ‘year in review’ type lists and events. My department at work is no different; we had a department-wide meeting earlier this week, highlighting accomplishments, talking about plans going forward, etc. etc. Unbeknownst to me, my manager and his boss decided to submit my name for the “special individual recognition” part of the meeting, for being the lead on some new responsibilities our group took on that were apparently high profile. They’d given me feedback over the course of the year letting me know that they were pleased with my work, but I hadn’t been prepared for public recognition outside our team.
On the one hand, I did a good job, I know it, and I’m pleased with my performance. On the other hand, I’m an introverted person who hates attention. So I was completely mortified to see my name up on a slide in front of the whole department. I know ultimately it’s a good thing, and will likely mean a good review and hopefully a decent raise. But I’m still uncomfortable with the recognition. The only saving grace is that because we have multiple offices, I was not present in the main office where the presentation was (in NY), but rather in one of our smaller offices in NJ, so I didn’t have to worry about being asked to stand up or say anything, etc.
This is not really new for me; I’ve never been comfortable in the spotlight. I remember the end of season banquets for our competitive swim team being uncomfortable for me as well, even the years I wasn’t up for any awards etc.
So, how do you handle attention? Do you like it? Hate it? In between? Ever get recognition or an award at work or from an organization?
Kitchen Table Kibitzing is a community series for those who wish to share part of the evening around a virtual kitchen table with readers of Daily Kos who aren’t throwing pies at one another. Drop by and tell us about your weather, your garden, or what you cooked for supper. Newcomers may notice that many who post diaries and comments in this series already know one another to some degree, but we welcome guests at our kitchen table, and hope to make some new friends as well.
As always, this is an open thread and nothing is off topic. What do you want to kibitz about tonight?
