Is it a cultural thing?
Normally I work behind the front desk in the library, such as re-shelving the returned books. However, since we have been lacking front desk students recently, I have to adjust my job duties sometimes. I am fine with it, although I do prefer working behind a little bit, I have nothing to complain about.
Surprisingly, this morning my supervisor asked me whether it was true that I didn't like to sit at the front desk because someone had told him so. Of course, I answered that I hadn't say something like that before, and my supervisor said it was okay and maybe there was some misinterpretations. Nevertheless, I felt a little uncomfortable and embarrassed because it seemed like some colleagues have issues with me.
I told this story to my roommate who have been in America for 8 year, and she told me that I didn't need to worry too much, because they might just want to show respects to my rights and if I really dislike sitting at the front desk it was totally fine. I kind of agreed with her, because I've heard a lot of stories like this happened in Chinese workplaces, and I am not familiar with American culture enough. Is there anybody could give me more relevant information? I just hope I really don't need to take it personally and prove that I am just too sensitive!
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Is it a Cultural Thing?
Normally I work behind, or in support of, the front desk in the library, and take care of the “grunt” duties such as re-shelving the returned books, delivering them to other floors, etc. However, since we have been short of personnel recently, I have had to adjust my job duties and work at the front desk sometimes. I am perfectly fine with it, although I do have a slight preference for working behind it instead, but most certainly, I do not mind doing it occasionally if the need arises.
Surprisingly, though, this morning, my supervisor asked me whether it was true that I did not like to sit at the front desk, as someone had told him. I replied, of course, that I had never said such a thing like that before, and that it simply was not true. He said that it was okay, but maybe, there had been some misunderstanding. In spite of his reassurances, because it seemed as if some colleagues have some issues with me, I nevertheless felt a little uncomfortable and embarrassed. I told this story to my roommate who has been here in America for 8 years, and she told me that I did not need to worry about it too much; as perhaps, people within the administration were just trying to respect my rights if I really disliked working that position.
While I somewhat agreed with her, and felt better about it, I have also heard many stories like this, which have not only happened in Chinese workplaces, but also led to negative consequences. As a result, I am not familiar enough with American culture to know what the right way to handle this would be. Is there anyone reading this who could give me more relevant information? I just hope that I am taking this too personally, and making a mountain out of a molehill, which proves that I am just too sensitive!*
Hi, Qi. Good job! As always, “Whatever changes I made…”
It is okay to omit the comma after an introductory word--Normally,--, but I like to use, both as a matter of style, and as a reflection of how I would actually say such sentences. I mention this for future reference in case you are wondering why I do in my edits.
The phrase “hadn’t say” mixes tenses and is incorrect, within a sentence that is past tense. Use “said” instead.
The phrase “kind of” is not wrong, but it is informal, much like slang, and not the type of English we should be striving for here on a learning website. Yes, you should learn it, and yes, you should know it, but only use it within your personal correspondence. Conversely, certain non-standard words, as well as certain sayings are a part of English, thus my usage of “grunt” and “making a mountain out of a molehill.”
As to the situation, obviously, someone misinterpreted what you said in a casual conversation, and passed on that incorrect knowledge. If you speak up for yourself, as to both your likes and dislikes, people will gradually come to know to come to you directly rather than relying on second-hand information from others to provide insights into your preferences.
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Thank you for your comments! I really appreciate it!
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I think it is how the coworker knows about you don't like sitting on the front desk. I guess you should had told someone else, even you show you dislike it i don't think it had someone interfered. the truth is someone told the supervisor because he admitted. anyway, you just do what you want. you will not have any issue with coworkers.
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Hellow, I have lived in Canada for 8 years and my major is psychology (also cultural psychology), as a Hong Kong Chinese, I may be able to share you my point of view.
Without evidence or a strong indication of cultural difference, do not treat it as a cultural difference, now focus on miscommunication as your supervisor suggested, then you are about to resolve this issue.
1) what is the decision of your supervisor? (front desk or backstage), if she respect your choice, just thanks her, so you may establish a good (cross-cultural) relationship with her.
2) To clarify your confusion, tell her how you have noted the need for a front desk clerk and you are willing and ready to substitute anytime.
Although there may be cultural differences in value and communication (e.g. stronger respect on personal choice), this might not be the main matter of your distress.
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