Sizzle Says

I have an aversion to “reports.”

My idea of fun is not compiling data into a comprehensive spreadsheet proving that work is indeed being done. That goals are definitely being met (or not). That my program is fulfilling its role within the agency.

I realize the importance of such documents. I even have sufficient documentation to back everything up. I just have a mental roadblock when it comes to actually gathering all the bits and making them into one final document.

Maybe it reminds me too much of school. Not that I didn’t like school. I did. But I was a procrastinator when it came to reports. I would get all the reading and assignments done ahead of time but when it came to the Big Report, it’d be midnight before it was due and me hammering away on some borrowed computer drinking coffee and then blearily turning in something that hopefully made sense. I wonder why I selectively procrastinate? I am not like this in any other area of my life. Not even with cleaning the cat box or taking out the recycling.(Ok, maybe with taking out the recycling.)

After years and years in the workforce it seems glaringly obvious that I am not a numbers person. I am a people person. I get results because I get people. I like action-oriented tasks that involve creativity. I enjoy negotiating solutions amongst groups of people. I’d prefer to give a presentation to 100 people rather than write a quarterly report.

Can you tell I have a report due? Today! And of course it is not nearly as finished as it should be (started). What’s something required of you at work that you just do not like doing? Give my misery company.

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Panegyric: 1. a eulogistic oration or writing, 2. formal or elaborate praise.

When I die, no one is going to wax panegyrically about my report writing skills.