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[Nickbat]

This problem affects many conscientious workers in positions of management. The solutions is delegation. Now, that seems simple in practice, but can be very difficult indeed, for one of two reasons:

Either
a) There is no-one with the ability to do any parts of the job to the manager's exacting standards, or

b) The manager perceives that there is no-one with the ability to do any parts of the job to his/her exacting standards.

If it's a) then the manager has a short-term problem and needs to focus on this when recruiting/promoting.

If it's b) then the manager needs to have his/her perceptions challenged by giving up certain aspects of his/her duties to an underling on a trial basis, acting as a mentor. In school, this is probably easier than in industry as teachers instinctively want to climb the ladder and can be readily persuaded to see that the acceptance of management duties will enhance their career prospects.

In any event, it's a sign that the manager in question sets very high standards, which is good in itself, but can lead to the problems you outline, Steve.   

[MR MISTER]

This problem affects many conscientious workers in positions of management. The solutions is delegation. Now, that seems simple in practice, but can be very difficult indeed, for one of two reasons:

Either
a) There is no-one with the ability to do any parts of the job to the manager's exacting standards, or

b) The manager perceives that there is no-one with the ability to do any parts of the job to his/her exacting standards.

If it's a) then the manager has a short-term problem and needs to focus on this when recruiting/promoting.

If it's b) then the manager needs to have his/her perceptions challenged by giving up certain aspects of his/her duties to an underling on a trial basis, acting as a mentor. In school, this is probably easier than in industry as teachers instinctively want to climb the ladder and can be readily persuaded to see that the acceptance of management duties will enhance their career prospects.

In any event, it's a sign that the manager in question sets very high standards, which is good in itself, but can lead to the problems you outline, Steve.   

I see your points clearly, Nick, but I don't imagine that she is much different from any other head (Principal now). The job has become a nightmare in the last few years and, when Michael Gove and Michael Wilshere say 'the buck stops with you', they mean it.

[cleggy]

Steve if she enjoys her job then you can only be there to support her. Obviously an educated woman , when she needs help hopefully she will ask. Having said that she does put up with you so there maybe a flaw in the argument. 

[Rods2]

My wife is exactly the same where she is a primary school teacher, along with her sister who teaches teenagers. Every night during term time they are preparing for the next day / week, taking on extra craft projects. All of the materials for this stuff including what they print out for lessons is at their expense as they get reimbursed for none of it. 

On top of that their pay is erratic with them sometimes waiting weeks or even months before they are paid what they are owed. 

I've tried telling them they should be a bit more mercenary, but it falls on deaf ears when they don't want to let the children down. Being Ukraine the pay is very poor, but further education is encouraged, my sister-in-law a few years ago did a part time university course to become a qualified maths teacher and my wife is now in the first year of a 2 year part time course to become a qualified English teacher. This involves my wife going to Cherkassy University for 2 weeks every 3 months and she gets the time off school to do this, but she has to pay all of her own expenses.

Every 2 years they have to go on a 3 week teacher training refresher course, the course is free but they have to pay for the transport to Cherkassy, which is about 80 miles away, for their accommodation and meals. They have no choice if they want to carry on teaching.

This seems to be a global problem if you are a conscientious hard working good teacher, but there are plenty of bad teachers that aren't, and in the Ukraine many of whom are corrupt, with pupils bribing them for good results. 

On top of this my wife has to look after our 3 years old daughter and with her mum and sister run their smallholding of a 1 acre kitchen garden, a couple of pigs, a goat (for milk), chickens and ducks for eggs and meat, plus they rent several more acres for growing wheat for flour and animal feed. This is why Eastern Europeans work so hard it is a way of life.

When I'm over there I do my fair share of the hard work, which I enjoy where I like to keep fit. 

[MR MISTER]

Steve if she enjoys her job then you can only be there to support her. Obviously an educated woman , when she needs help hopefully she will ask. Having said that she does put up with you so there maybe a flaw in the argument. 

I'm over it now, Cleggy. A bit of piss taking support from you lads and it's all good.

[Radar]

Hopefully the workload will reduce as the term goes on?

[Lizzie_Zoom]

As an ex career woman, I recoginse all you state about your wife Steve.

That is what it takes in professional circles to push a career forward and stop it going backwards, especially for women. My contract at the time actually stated I worked the hours it took to run the business.  Delegation was vitally important, but when you are a senior manager your responsibilities are large, and it still takes you to make the decisions and give the instruction to ensure P&L accountability.

A teacher nowadays has many targets to meet, many tick boxes to complete, and a headteacher must have that considerably multiplied, with no doubt the added joy of the politics that go with such a position!

The choice is simple. You either go with it, or call it a day.  But with me it was the promise of a great pension that I looked forward to (as did my ex) that kept me going, and how that is paying off now!

Bare with it Steve, it will only get better - one day!

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Being a headmistress is a stressful job that would take it's toll on anyone.

...........and then the poor girl has to come home to you.

Life can be a real bitch at times.

[MR MISTER]

As an ex career woman, I recoginse all you state about your wife Steve.

That is what it takes in professional circles to push a career forward and stop it going backwards, especially for women. My contract at the time actually stated I worked the hours it took to run the business.  Delegation was vitally important, but when you are a senior manager your responsibilities are large, and it still takes you to make the decisions and give the instruction to ensure P&L accountability.

A teacher nowadays has many targets to meet, many tick boxes to complete, and a headteacher must have that considerably multiplied, with no doubt the added joy of the politics that go with such a position!

The choice is simple. You either go with it, or call it a day.  But with me it was the promise of a great pension that I looked forward to (as did my ex) that kept me going, and how that is paying off now!

Bare with it Steve, it will only get better - one day!

Write out 1000 times "I must learn to use the words bare and bear in the correct context".

Or, if you prefer, I can come down and give you 6" of the best! 

Did I just say that?

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

As an ex career woman, I recoginse all you state about your wife Steve.

That is what it takes in professional circles to push a career forward and stop it going backwards, especially for women. My contract at the time actually stated I worked the hours it took to run the business.  Delegation was vitally important, but when you are a senior manager your responsibilities are large, and it still takes you to make the decisions and give the instruction to ensure P&L accountability.

A teacher nowadays has many targets to meet, many tick boxes to complete, and a headteacher must have that considerably multiplied, with no doubt the added joy of the politics that go with such a position!

The choice is simple. You either go with it, or call it a day.  But with me it was the promise of a great pension that I looked forward to (as did my ex) that kept me going, and how that is paying off now!

Bare with it Steve, it will only get better - one day!

Write out 1000 times "I must learn to use the words bare and bear in the correct context".

Or, if you prefer, I can come down and give you 6" of the best! 

Did I just say that?

Yes.

[MR MISTER]

As an ex career woman, I recoginse all you state about your wife Steve.

That is what it takes in professional circles to push a career forward and stop it going backwards, especially for women. My contract at the time actually stated I worked the hours it took to run the business.  Delegation was vitally important, but when you are a senior manager your responsibilities are large, and it still takes you to make the decisions and give the instruction to ensure P&L accountability.

A teacher nowadays has many targets to meet, many tick boxes to complete, and a headteacher must have that considerably multiplied, with no doubt the added joy of the politics that go with such a position!

The choice is simple. You either go with it, or call it a day.  But with me it was the promise of a great pension that I looked forward to (as did my ex) that kept me going, and how that is paying off now!

Bare with it Steve, it will only get better - one day!

Write out 1000 times "I must learn to use the words bare and bear in the correct context".

Or, if you prefer, I can come down and give you 6" of the best! 

Did I just say that?

Yes.

Well...if I said it.....I guess I can't back out now..

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

As an ex career woman, I recoginse all you state about your wife Steve.

That is what it takes in professional circles to push a career forward and stop it going backwards, especially for women. My contract at the time actually stated I worked the hours it took to run the business.  Delegation was vitally important, but when you are a senior manager your responsibilities are large, and it still takes you to make the decisions and give the instruction to ensure P&L accountability.

A teacher nowadays has many targets to meet, many tick boxes to complete, and a headteacher must have that considerably multiplied, with no doubt the added joy of the politics that go with such a position!

The choice is simple. You either go with it, or call it a day.  But with me it was the promise of a great pension that I looked forward to (as did my ex) that kept me going, and how that is paying off now!

Bare with it Steve, it will only get better - one day!

A pension substantial enough to keep RB in business, Lizzie.

Sigh.......It must be great to be wealthy.

[Lizzie_Zoom]

As an ex career woman, I recoginse all you state about your wife Steve.

That is what it takes in professional circles to push a career forward and stop it going backwards, especially for women. My contract at the time actually stated I worked the hours it took to run the business.  Delegation was vitally important, but when you are a senior manager your responsibilities are large, and it still takes you to make the decisions and give the instruction to ensure P&L accountability.

A teacher nowadays has many targets to meet, many tick boxes to complete, and a headteacher must have that considerably multiplied, with no doubt the added joy of the politics that go with such a position!

The choice is simple. You either go with it, or call it a day.  But with me it was the promise of a great pension that I looked forward to (as did my ex) that kept me going, and how that is paying off now!

Bare with it Steve, it will only get better - one day!

A pension substantial enough to keep RB in business, Lizzie.

Sigh.......It must be great to be wealthy.

 

[MR MISTER]

Wifey came home tonight clutching a local newspaper with a two page feature on her school. The reviews were glowing so I guess I'd better shut up 

[Vamps]

Wifey came home tonight clutching a local newspaper with a two page feature on her school. The reviews were glowing so I guess I'd better shut up 

Result.......

Oh and well done Mrs STEMO