So many of you know my struggles with my current job. Despite being put on an EIP and told they were going to post my position (which they have not done yet) I've been tasked with completing this HUGE project for my team. It's a lot of data clean up, research and prep to go into a "list" I manage that will be used to drive revenue for hte company. It's a big deal! So - my attitude isn't the greatest at this point but despite that I still want to give it my all. We had an outsourced company do the initial "pull" from websites (we're gathering c-level contact names across our industry) and I have serious concerns with the validity of the results they are returning to us. However - no one on my team (nor my boss) really want to hear it. The team lead told me they expect a margin of error but since the tool is scraping from websites he believes we should trust the results. My issue is I've come across MANY instances of the information being inaccurate. They tell me "good enough is good enough" and that should be that.
I've never been a "good enough is enough" sort of person but we are on a terrible time line (the whole thing - which when it came to me included 12,000 lines of data in an xls) needs to be cleaned up, research, filled in and uploaded into our system by March 30th. I've been tasked to spend 6 hours a day on this but that still isn't anywhere near enough time - and they rejected my idea of bringing in a contractor.
Ultimately this work will be a reflection upon me - but since I'm already in hot water and pretty much feel my prospects here are limited - I'm following their lead - but feel terrible about it.
Grr...not sure how to handle it. Would you be ok putting forth data that you KNOW is not good just because time constraints and the powers that be say it "needs to be good enough".
Sigh
Marda has it right. I have been on both sides of this. I had an employee that I was sooo up to my neck with that I could not wait to end her position. Also, I have been the one to cause my boss headaches, too. The boss is always right--but you can always leave.
Sounds to me like an opportunity to have something to point to to say your work is below standard.
I agree with others. Get it all in writing. If you bring up concerns, document them and document the response. Get signatures, if possible. If not, send a follow-up e-mail detailing their responses "just to make sure we're on the same page."
You need proof that you brought up concerns with original data that will affect the final product.
Also, document your time. Document how long it takes you to do one record/row and then how many you get done in six hours as alloted. If you can prove with time logs that you didn't waste time and you were working as efficiently as possible, then they won't have as much to stand on if you can't get it done on time or to their standards.
The boss is always right. If he says to not do the extra research, then don't do it. Adjust your attitude so that it's in line with the boss' attitude.
You're telling yourself you only want to do the best and the best is what you think it should be. It's time to tell yourself that the boss is in charge and that you'll do what he asks you to do. That is how you avoid EIPs and keep your job.
I've been in a similar place. I know it's hard to change the way you think. I got help through some counseling.
I don't know who is right regarding the integrity of the data, but I do know that your boss in the one that has control of your career right now. You need to adjust your thinking and do what your boss wants. I also don't think that you should document how crappy the data is in multiple emails to many people. The data may very well be crappy, but if you say it too many times to too many people, you just look like a whiner and a troublemaker regardless of your intentions. You are better off documenting and getting concurrence from your boss in writing on the task itself. Therefore, when this blows up, you have documentation that you did EXACTLY what was requested of you.
do the best you can for 6 hours per day and until the end of March. i would update your boss right before the 6 hours is up to let them know what you have finished. they are on a deadline for some reason and they already know that you won't be able to get it all done and don't expect you to. Since you are in hot water with this company, then i would do what your boss says but at the same time fix what you can and leave it at that but if you run across something that is just really really bad and will take some time, then let your boss know.. Keep copies of emails and stuff too.
Get some resumes out there and start looking for a job.
Edit: I work in an environment where we get these projects that take a lot of man power and hours. Because our clients are looking for results at a certain time, sometimes I just have to do what I'm told. If I am working on something that I highly recommend not using, I will inform my boss or the acct mgr and go from there.
I would send an e-mail, something along these lines. "per our discussion on Feb. 23, 2012, I let you know my concerns regarding the data that we are receiving. My concern is that the data is incorrect. I will follow your instructions and continue until further notice".
Print this out and put it in your folder for documentation. Also, request a receipt so that you know when they open it. Also, send an e-mail to your boss "I wanted to let you know that I have concerns about the data. I do not want this to reflect negatively against me, especially since I am working under the EIP. I want to make you aware of the issue. I will follow your instructions."
Also, print a copy of that as well. You need to document EVERYTHING. If it verbal, send an e-mail, "per our conversation on whatever date, we discussed" then list what was disucssed. Always keep a copy for yourself as well. CYA needs to be your motto!
Having been through a similar "set-up" experience in my career, I have one word for you - document, document, document! May I suggest email so you have a "paper trail" documenting your concerns and the responses you get. When it blows up, you have a complete record of what happened - what red flags you raised, how those were addressed, and the results. Wishing you the best of luck!
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I hope you are looking at job openings and writing resumes. After everything you posted about your job lately it seems like they are setting you up for failure. Better get out ASAP as long as you can escape somewhat unscathed. If they fire you it will be a real bummer for your career.
In the meanwhile keep tabs on how your project is progressing, how many sets of data you clean up in the time allotted each day/per hour. In other words keep records about your performance. Be proactive. set up meetings with whomever coordinates your EIP regularly and get your performance approved. Get everything in writing/or email.
Good luck.
I agree with Alexis. I would just do the best I could. Document everything. Any correspondence you do with your team, if at all possible have it in writing, emails, etc. If you have to have a verbal conversation about your concerns, make sure you have witnesses. If it all goes south you will have all of this to show them, I tried to express this to you but was ignored or shot down everytime. Flip the blame around to where it truly lays. It may not save your job but at least you know you did the right thing. If they want to operate a business like that and you aren't comfortable with it, you will be better off without them. Good luck!
I believe the phrase 'darned if you and darned if you don't' applies here. You have to give your best effort in the face of knowing the data is potentially flawed. You may very well be burned later on for using bad data but there is nothing to be done about that today. Today's challenge is getting the job done with the tools at hand. You can try documenting your knowledge of the bad data and letting those in power know about said flaws. However, it won't be the silver bullet if those same powers that be then decide to use it against you. I understand how rankling this project will be for you. I am also particular about my work quality. Sadly there are times as a worker bee you are asked to jump and so you jump without asking any question other than how high. Good luck and many well wishes for you.
You've already expressed your concerns so your supervisor is aware of them. You're on deadline....if you've been told good enough is good enough, complete the project with the information you've been provided. That is your task in this project. It's not your job to scrutinize the integrity of the information, it's not your job to suggest bringing in a contractor. Your job is to work with the information provided and have the project complete by March 30. That is your assignment.
You're already on an EIP so I would do as they've told you and do the best you can. This is no time to reinvent the wheel, so to speak. Don't waste any time feeling bad about it.
I've worked many places where the main thing was to get the information into the system and then work out the glitches later. It may seem counterintuitive in some instances, but sometimes you have to do things the way your employer wants them done. You don't have to agree with it or like it, you just have to do it. Don't spend time fretting over this, just get it done and hopefully hang on to your job in the process.
Just my opinion.
Best wishes.
