Why Can't We All Just Get Along?
Today at work was politics 101. I've not advanced much beyond that level in my 35 year career, and for good reason. I think I must be too much of a nice guy or something. I know it takes a lot to make me angry, and there's not too many I don't get along with. Well, one I suppose as you'll read.
But today I lost it. Because I work with a lady who seems to take great pleasure out of pointing out other people's errors, or worse, when others don't do things in just the right way based on her perspective.
I've put up with this for two years. And so, being the target of another subtle yet venemous attack, I brought matters to the fore. I took the conversation off track, away from the actual topic, and focused on how the message was being delivered. I was angry and I told her that the method she likes to use with others was finished with me. Over.
It ain't office politics folks. It's rudeness and one upmanship. There are those who may say that I should have maintained the high road, but you know, that road is awful lonely sometimes.
We'll see how it all pans out. Right now I'm nursing a beer to try and relieve the tension, but inside I feel wonderful in a strange sort of way, at having had the "balls" to let it out as I did. Others observed. One told me she thought I was right. There's solace in that.
Anyway, I'm sure this is all quite boring and mundane to you all. And what music could I possibly get for this theme?
I dunno. Let's see.
Thanks for listening.
Locating MOG account...
Comments (13)
KUDOS.. KUDOS and more KUDOS!!!
The cow!!!
Here's to better days, Cap.
I should have contexted a tad I supose.. :-).. One of the main reasons I have opted out of the corporate world for a while.. is exactly because of what you have expressed here.. and had a gutful..
The sly backhanders, the endless politics, the viciousness of that one/or group of people who do subvertive attacks and always get away with it leaving people gutted in their wake...without anyone actually saying 'Hang on a second you b**tard'.
I too have said 'Hang on a second' ever so elquently... (LOL) and I am sure they will never forget it... And it felt great!!!
Savour the moment for all those who before you were targets!!!
Good point Zen. On other "targets" there are many. I had a guy resign last year because he couldn't take it any longer, and I know of more.
Nice to have a kindred heart in this matter.
Im a pretty easy going type at the office, always conscious of what I say and its effect on people (believe I am a great manager in that respect).. but enough is enough...
Sometimes though you just have to 'say it as it is, for what it is'.. the universe is high fiving you!!! :-)
Yay universe! LOL
Tough to stomach that kind of behavior, cap. To mix a few cliches, stand tall, but don't shoot yerself in the foot.
Good thought there Mike. Thanks.
People like that will tend to treat you that way until they realize that you aren't going to play their little game any more. Once you put your foot down, they usually will either find a new victim, suggest that they never meant "it" that way or just continue being a bully.
But once someone calls a bully on their game, and people in the office know that someone said enough is enough, that bully will never have the power they used to.
If they never realized they were coming off that way, what you did could be a help and a wake-up call to them- and possibly change the way they relate to others at work too.
So, I think you did a good thing, may have reshaped that person's intercommunication skills- going forward and as long as you kept it respectable, both of you are the better for it.
Music rx said it very well. And by not taking her crap anymore, you DID take the high road, actually, especially because you did so without resorting to immature back stabbing, name calling, etc......
Enjoy your beer and pat your self on the back. BTW-- excellent song choice.
Way to stick it to the man.
You definitely did the right thing and I agree that it is the high road to tell that person directly. I admire you for that. I hope it does a lot of good. Maybe that person will sincerely look at her conduct and how it affects others. Maybe she'll grow personally, even if incrementally. Maybe she'll look back to this in later life as a turning point. Even if she won't admit it now.
You folks should consider careers in Management coaching. I have one of those, and he told me the same thing yesterday, that it was a good start. We then discussed how best to move forward so that the old behaviour is not accepted and the new behaviour is reinforced.
Thanks all.