Bureaucracy
Bureaucracy works so slowly and working within one can be excruciating. Okay, we all know that but I just had to say it. I understand why it is slow; because one person ruined it for the rest of us! But I have to say that I appreciate systems being slow if they are effective.
You want to see me go crazy? Don’t follow an established-written process and you’ll see my head spin 360 degrees. I’ve always been a systems-thinker and love to refine systems. I get that bureaucracy can add loopholes but if you take the time to understand why, it will upset you less. I mean…it will still upset you a little bit. Patience, as they say, is a virtue.
Don’t go rogue - this isn’t Star Wars. You will negatively impact someone else’s job. I see this a lot in leadership because, well, leaders are obviously Darth Vaders. Just kidding. It’s easier to do what you want, when you want and when you’re at the top, why not? Because that’s being a jerk, stop it!
My advice - get to know systems. Who does what and when. Waiting for the expected is way easier and less nerve wracking than waiting for the unknown. Then - you can make suggestions on how to refine and collaborate to make the system more efficient. Also, for leaders, it shows that you value and respect your staff and the work they do.