Wow - just wow!

Today has been quite a day, not least because I began my two week holiday from work this afternoon, but because of the events that took place just before I left work. I am astonished, stunned and utterly humbled as well as delighted.

Some of you may recall it being mentioned that I had around two months of solid prep work ahead of the Olympics Cycle Races, and some very long shifts on the days of the races themselves. I was not alone in doing these long shifts, as I have direct responsibility for a team of 23 supervisory staff, and the vast majority of them put in long hours to make the whole thing run smoothly.

Now, there is a bit of an oddity in my industry (not sure if its the same in any others), where supervisors get paid for any overtime they do yet managers don't (its classed as 'needs of the business'); in addition to this, the Olympic bonus money that was finally agreed was awarded to just about every other grade of staff, but not managers.

The event days themselves went tremendously well, and all the plans that I had worked on fell into place and I was tremendously proud not only of my own planning, but also of the 23 supervisors that work with me, and the 380 staff that we oversee - - every single one of them gave their all on the day, which was deeply satisfying for me.

Anyway, fast forward to today - just as I was about to leave work, a couple of my team asked if I could pop in and see them as they had some questions before I left; when I went into our department, I was met with a roomful and was presented with a huge Thank You card, which contained a substantial wad of cash!

I was told that they were all somewhat narked that I had done all the extra work in the planning, but wasn't going to get the same bonus that they were, so they all gave a days worth of bonus in a whip round, and have basically told me to go and have a great (if somewhat drunken) holiday with it!

To be honest, I would have been delighted with the card alone, but that gesture is amazing - I could feel the tears welling up as I stood there.

Humbling barely covers it.

 

I've known for years that they were a special bunch really - there are six other sites in our company and not one of them has team like ours (and I am not just saying that); quite often I sit in board meetings and listen to other managers moaning about how they have this issue or that issue with their staff, and I am completely puzzled as I simply don't have the problems that they have.

In fact, I have four on my team that ended up with me as a 'last ditch' following disciplines etc, and I have never had a single issue with any of them.

I really am honoured to work with such special people.

 

Thank you all

All I try to do is my job to the best of my ability - and for me, that is made all the easier by the people I work with, who are a lovely bunch (just like everyone on GC!).