Trying to explain what I didn't like about the job I just left, I used the following analogy:
Last night, we were waiting for the steaks from the bbq and we had taken out larger than usual plates to accommodate them. I said: Yseult, can you give me the large plates please? Ha, they are not ready? Hmmm, you had promised them for 6:00 o'clock.
They will be ready in another 30 minutes? Well, the steaks are done. Can I do anything to speed things up? No - ok I will manage. We need to use the small plates (I say to noone in particular - I will be the one tracking them down).
Wait, the phone is ringing again.
- You have two large white plates and 1 large blue plate? I am afraid that won't do. We need to have contrast between the food and the plate and we want a consistent look. Thank you for trying.
- Will you have the plates ready early tomorrow? I will need them by 3:00 (we eat at 6:00 but I am adding a buffer because of this experience with my vendor). The chef is giving me grief for the smaller plates that don't do justice to his work.
This, in a nutshell, is what I did. Facilitate processes to keep the internal stakeholders happy...
And do I get extra wine for my efforts? Hardly.