Jobsworths.

[Atheist]

One of the little bees in my bonnet is the pejorative term 'Jobsworth' for someone who is trying to do his/her job to the best of their ability. It is often used by someone who is being thwarted in some way by a poor soul who is trying to ensure that the rules set by others are complied with. His/her job is to monitor parking spaces, or provision of authorisation to enter somewhere, or some similar task which is required by the terms of his employment. If the thwarted person is full of self importance and feels scornful of 'lower life forms', then 'Jobsworth' is a useful way of letting off steam. I find that sort of attitude rather despicable.
What does AB think?

[david small]

A jobsworth is a person who uses the (typically minor) authority of their job in a deliberately uncooperative way, or who seemingly delights in acting in an obstructive or unhelpful manner. It characterizes one who upholds petty rules even at the expense of effectiveness or efficiency. A little Hitler. You will do as I tell you or else.

[ToraToraTora]

it's the black and white way they do it and appear to be enjoy doing it.

[ToraToraTora]

david has put it very well.

[AuntPG]

Agree with david, its the attitude they have. They are inflexible, and take great delight in being so.

[Atheist]

David and TTT; I think you are both reacting badly to being told what to do. Perhaps you resent anyone explaining the rules, and your reaction is to insult them rather than question the rules. Has either of you had a job which involved enforcing regulations, or have you both had jobs which involved getting round regulations?

[Atheist]

I guess it depends on individual characters. Some people probably take delight in sticking to the rules throught thick and thin; others do it as a necessity of their job

[AuntPG]

There is the delivery driver that brings a huge parcel which is too heavy for the recipient to bring into the house. Rather than leave it out in the rain, he brings it into the house for the person, even though he is not supposed to. Then there is the 'jobsworthy' who will take a sharp intake of breath stating 'sorry not our policy to come into the house' and leave the person to struggle with the parcel. Thats what I mean by 'jobsworthy'.

[ToraToraTora]

I work in IT there is no job that comes remotely close to it in having to obey rules and syntax.

[ToraToraTora]

david is correct, give him the BA.

[Atheist]

APG, I suspect that some of these delivery drivers are pressured to stick to timetables or they get punished. The nice ones will be nice and not care about their personal loss of wages. They are all wage slaves, and cannot claim niceness as a benefit.

[Atheist]

TTT; it's not for you to tell me who to give BA to! :-)

[douglas9401]

It's just the drink talking, Atheist, I'm sure he meant no offence with his overbearing boorishness.

[ToraToraTora]

1921: well you'd never select the right one on your own me old china
19:53 I'm sober.

[Atheist]

Douglas; Thanks (I think).
TTT said. "I work in IT there is no job that comes remotely close to it in having to obey rules and syntax"
I think TTT has led a sheltered life. He is bound by rules and syntax, but doesn't seem to realise that others are also bound. He doesn't like to be told off by inferior life forms, perhaps. (Maybe I'm being too harsh).

[ToraToraTora]

the jobsworths are the sorts of people that always wanted a job in the police or forces but were never good enough. A crisis gives them a bit of power and they love to use it to boss people about.

[ToraToraTora]

"I think TTT has led a sheltered life" - you have no idea what life I've lead, where I cam from, how I started what I'm like. You are a said little keyboard warrior.

[Atheist]

TTT; I think you meant "Sad". Are you a keyboard warrior? If not, please explain and justify.

[Atheist]

TTT; all I know about you is from what you write here. It's the only way I can get an idea of your character. Sorry, mate.

[david small]

I would suggest that you could be a bit of a jobsworth Atheist.