Work Stress...

You can eliminate "polite speak" with the estimators without losing your politeness.

Instead of: Do you think you can have this estimate done by 2:00?

Use: This estimate needs to be done by 2:00.

If they put up some kind of argument about being too busy, then ask, "Then what time will you get it done?"

I always used polite speak when I was an engineer, but I had to be much more direct and assertive when I became a law enforcement officer. It has also helped me talk to my husband, pushy/needy people, and my children.

I would imagine that you are great with customers, but your boss is wanting you to be more assertive with the estimators. You can always make your boss out to be the bad guy by saying, "If I don't have X,Y, and Z done by 2:00, Boss Hog is going to have a fit."

Good luck!

What kind of parenting is your style? I am thinking you give lots of chances and then complain when things don't get done. You sound really sweet and a great gal to be around.
But you need to be more assertive. You need to set goals for getting work done and give consequences when things don't get done. You take some of the burden off of you if you put those in writing and email them to their targets. Laziness can be mostly eliminated by consequences.
Read some books on assertiveness and business books. Sometimes nice isn't getting the job done.
On the other hand you are very new in your job and others could just be trying to take advantage of you.
It could have been a much softer suggestion that you toughen up and you are taking it too hard. Maybe your boss is just trying to tweak something in an otherwise great employee! I bet he wants to keep you, he just wants to use you in the best way possible. It's his job to get the best from his employees.
Good luck!

Just continue doing your job as you are doing it now but try to think of yourself as more confident. Perhaps that is what he means.

You are a wonderful addition to this business so if it's not enough for them maybe you need to find something else if the opportunity comes up.

My best advise is to document everything..

Document what you do.
Document what you see
Document what they are or are not work.. - hey if they are only working 50% of the time, you have it documented they might get rid of somone and cut costs.

It really sounds like this is still and adjustment phase for you since you have only been there 3 months. Your boss is looking for results. Start being assertive with the estimators and do not take no for an answer. Keep going back and getting in their face until they do what you need of them. Make it easier for them to do it and get you off their backs than to be lazy.

Congrats on the job!!! Do not let your sweetness be your downfall let it be your incredible strength. When "oerdering" people around, simply use your sweet way about you. With the jerks, have a fun tone about you and don't stick around for the argument back. Say your peace and be on your way...you have too much to do to be diplomatic.

A front office position can be very deceiving. It does look like a calm and quiet job of answering phones and doing paperwork but it is the "front lines". Any job where you are the beginning of the transaction and the end (not to mention the in between) is a terrific opportunity to show skill and time management but yes can be very time consuming and hectic. Find a rhythm. Take charge of your day with a secret list...one that you make and keep daily of how your day will go and what order it will be. It will help you stay in control and understanding that it will be interrupted by walk in appointments and client calls, will help you to show yourself and if necessary, your managers that you were diligent in completing your tasks. (not to show them but if they ask how you manage you can let them know of your secret list of things to accomplish for the day).

Small displays of self management show as self confidence and will allow for some consideration when they question your work ethic. If they see you taking control, smiling your sweet smile and delegating tasks along with keeping things tidy and staying on top of this, they will not micro manage you and you will be very empowered.

Best of luck to you and these kind of jobs can be very secure and know one thing, within the industry of collision work and such, if you make a name for yourself , others will want to hire you as well...you will be a hot commodity.

I work in the insurance industry and have close relationships with several shops. I enjoy dealing with tightly run and reputable businesses and certainly appreciate a smiling voice and diligent front office person to handle my clients. :)