Baby Steps Bob, Baby Steps

Brain Two here is wondering why we make things more complicated than they needed?

I was reminded of this a couple of times in the past week. The first lesson was for us in Payroll. Our site is switching to a new work week and it was left to us for testing. Payroll vs. Labor Department is an entire other topic of how we work together and yet keep certain duties separate. Anyway, we started testing a new work week in the test database for our timekeeping system. We immediately began looking at intricate scenarios. As we were going through, we were able to identify some issues. However, after some further review, we found some of the basic set ups were not correct and that was effecting our calculations. Back to the drawing board we went.

We started over, testing the most simplified scenario just to see if the basic set ups were accurate. Here we found some modifications that needed to be made that would effect the entire population. Once modifications were made, and the simple scenarios worked, we reviewed the intricate scenarios and basically tried to break the system. That’s what you need to do when testing; find different things that can go wrong. I am feeling a little better about the whole thing. This type of testing is new to both of us and a huge learning experience. We are not comparing apples to apples. I’d say apples to oranges, but this is crazy so let’s say we are apples to nuts.

The second lesson made me feel a little smart because I was part of the solution. We were brought into the situation late after decisions were already being made without us. By thinking simple and redirecting, we made the transition of buildings go smoothly. It’s amazing how people can complicate the simplest things. It is up to the folks who are the low men/women on the totem pole to set them straight.

What ways have you found to make tasks less convoluted?

An introverts point of view

Brain One: I am an introvert. This is how I perceive myself, and most likely is the first impression I give to others. To myself, I wonder if it’s just social anxieties that need to be overcome. It’s that queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach along with that voice inside your head that says you are going to make an idiot of yourself. So, I keep quiet and let others take the lead.

Letting others lead is not a bad thing. This gives you the opportunity to listen. You learn more from listening than you do from opening your mouth and inserting your foot. Look for a common ground; this will give you an opportunity to join in the conversation. The first impression might be “she’s quiet”; but a lasting impression might be “she’s a good listener”.

My philosophical tendencies when I write do not always adhere to my reality. We can all claim moments of irrevocable dysfunctional discourse.

Wow! I love big words. Everyone should own a Thesaurus; especially a Meteorologist. Every summer I wonder how many times they can say that it is “sticky” outside. Keep in mind that it is not just the words we use, but how we use them. In Elementary School we are taught the basics of writing and communication. One thing that remains foremost in my memory is teachers saying, “Stop using the word “I” to start every sentence.” Was this a way to remind us that not everything revolves around us?

Ok, so I’m getting off track here. But it only goes to prove my point. Sometimes listening is better than babbling like an idiot.

Let's learn to listen. Sometimes what you hear is more important than what you have to say. If you listen hard enough you might even hear what is not being said.

What is your inspiration?

Brain One: The proverbial light bulb that goes off in your head as inspiration strikes.

Mine came from the actual changing of light bulbs in my bathroom last night. Realizing that I was out of regular light bulbs, I put in those new energy efficient spiral looking bulbs. Three 60 watt bulbs to be exact. Flipping on the light switch, I found myself blinded in the brilliance of my bathroom (and the realization that I needed to clean). What an inspiration. This in turn made me think deeper on the subject. Not to mention the thought that I might need to wear sun glasses just to take a shower.

Okay, keep in mind that I have had greater moments. Co-workers, Managers, and friends have been an inspiration to me. Without them I would not have aspired to obtain my CPP. However, it was the motivation of the end goal that drove me to study.

Remember, Motivation is different than Inspiration. That bathroom will not clean itself. Every day we set goals for ourselves. At the end of the day, do you fall short of those goals because of lack of motivation? It is a great thing to be inspired, but it is even better when you have the motivation to do something about it.

So, what is your inspiration? And do you have the courage to motivate yourself to achieve your inspirations?

Introduction

Brain One: Welcome Payroll Fans! Well, isn’t everyone a fan of being paid? Then you too are a Payroll Fan.

My name is Holly. Since I am writing this, I have decided to be selfish and refer to myself as Brain One. This does not in any way insinuate to which of the two brains has greater knowledge. Brain One (Holly) and Brain Two (Robin) is only a way to differentiate between the two authors of this blog.

Brain Two (Robin) is my colleague and dear friend. We have known each other longer than we have been working in Payroll. A long time when you consider that we have been working in Payroll since 1995 & 1996. In the past two years we have both accomplished one of our greatest professional goals by becoming Certified Payroll Professionals (CPP).

Our reasons behind this blog are to share our knowledge, our faux pas, and our illustrious adventures. In addition, we hope to gain insight from others within the Payroll field.

Coming Soon!

To those that think that Payroll is a boring place filled only with numbers...guess again.

Confused about all the recent payroll changes? Yeah, so are we.

Let us bring you into our payroll world filled with controll issues, moments of insanity, and the constant struggles for perfection.

Come back often as we discuss the fun of working in Payroll.