90 day review

This month I celebrated my first 90 days at the hospital. I work as the assistant to the COO. And I have to admit that I didn't know exactly what COO meant or what this person actually does when I got this job. COO= Commander of Others? COO= Captain Over Operations? COO= just plain CooCoo? I didn't much care what he did, he had a big office and the position sounded impressive. And I needed a job and it was only a block away from where I live!!

I found out that COO means Chief Operating Officer. Or in other words... Mr. Big. I landed a job working for Mr. Big. I was impressed with myself!! And I lasted 90 days fooling everyone there that I know what I'm doing!!

What have I learned you ask?

I learned that if you don't know the answers, do NOT answer the phone. Let it ring. That's what voice mail is for.

I learned that when the CEO walks by, damn well look busy. Pick up a folder and shuffle papers around your desk. And look very interested in those papers!! Your job depends on it!!

I learned that the CEO, COO, CFO and CNO's do NOT go to other offices. Other people come to THEM.

I learned that the assistants to the CEO, COO, CFO and CNO get free drinks!! There is a refrigerator stocked in the board room with every soda imaginable. And I use it.

I learned that just saying you are the assistant to the COO opens many doors at the hospital. "Hi, I'm Joly and I work for the COO......." No mission is impossible after those 9 words. Magic happens.

I learned that you NEVER tell the COO that you are bored. Enough said.

But it was time for my 90 day review. Not a merit evaluation (those are a thing of the past). But just a "friendly" review of how you are doing.

My past work experience includes working for VPs, Managers, Directors, but never a COO. How exactly will a COO handle a 90 day review for his assistant?? First, I had to tell him it WAS my 90 day anniversary. "OH? Put that on my calendar. Find some time for you and me to discuss it."

So I had to put it on his calendar. This man is B U S Y!! But since I have control of his calendar, I just deleted a meeting and put my name in its place. I figure if the meeting was important, someone would notify someone who would notify the COO who would notify me and I'd have to reschedule it. Details.... I needed an hour of this very important man's time NOW.

Two days later I walked into his office prepared. I was ready. Bring it on Mr. Big. I DARE you to find anything wrong with my performance.

The man walked from behind his massive desk and sat down next to me in the "visitors" chairs. "We need to go through a few things." Gulp. We do??

"First I need to go through this checklist of things you have learned in the first 90 days. Actually, why don't you just read through it and check them off yourself." Ok.......

Do you know where the fire extinguisher is? (No, but I checked it.)
Do you know the hospital vision? (No, but I checked it.)
Do you know the hospital mission? (No, but I figured it had to be something about giving people excellent health care. So I checked it.)
Do you know where the hazardous material policy is? (No, but it's probably was on the computer somewhere. Close enough. Checked!)
Are you pleasant to patients? (I don't see them but I would be nice, unless it was a Monday morning. I'm not a morning person. Check!)
Are you involved with your community? (I go to the casino every weekend! Check!)
Etc.

I checked everything. Mr. Big was reading some paper, probably something important.

I gave the checklist back to him. He then wrote a comment and said, "That's it!"

That's .... It?? Where is the glowing comments about my work habits? The compliments I have been dreaming of for two days? Where is the heart felt statement "You're wonderful!"

Disappointed I grabbed my checklist which he asked me to send to HR for him, and went back to my desk.

Before I put the checklist in an intracompany envelope to send to HR, I read his written comment.

"Joly is a joy to work with. She has helped me immensely in the short amount of time she has been on staff. She is a definite asset to both my position and to the Hospital. "

Ok, the man is not long on words. But coming from the COO, Mr. Big, Ruler of the Hospital, I will relish these 3 sentences and allow my head to be just a little bigger even if it is for a micro- second. And he spelled my name correctly. It's the little things in life that count.