Fortunately, most of the positions I have held, those I worked for and with seemed to operate in this same way. But there have been a couple of places I have worked where nothing was ever as it seemed. Downright cloak and dagger at times; and at others childish, spiteful games and strategies.
I cannot comprehend what this offers a person or why a business would choose to allow this type of stuff to go on. I can see no benefit to the business or it's operation by this.
But, then again, I am not a "game" player or a schemer or user in other areas of my life either.
Have you worked for places where this happens? Has it directly effected you? Have you practiced these methods yourself, and what was the outcome?
Barbara
I call it 'domestics' and it often seems to involve cliques.
ReplyDeleteI think that if you remain civil to everybody and go about your daily business doing what you're supposed to be doing, instead of whispering in corners about this one and that one, then you'll be fine.
Beware of whose toes you tramp on, or you'll become ostracized. LOL
Writer In Transit
It seems to happen to some degree at all businesses. Like you, I steer clear.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I work at home so I don't have to deal with anything like this! I've only worked in two offices: the first was a newspaper with only about six staff, everyone got on well and the atmosphere was convivial. The second was a large government benefits office, many floors, hundreds of staff. I'm sure there was probably plenty of stuff going on, but I just kept my head down and therefore wasn't really aware of it!
ReplyDeleteI worked at one office job for nineteen years, and two after that for nearly five years each. I am sad to say that each of those places had so much political intrigue, that it wore me out dealing with it. I am much like you, straight forward, hard working, dependable, willing to help anyone, and determined to get along. But it truly seems some people's agenda is to disrupt, undermine, and produce as little work as possible while bending/breaking every non-enforced rule in the manual. So much time was spent in dealing with that because management didn't address the issues with a firm hand. "Give an inch..." I think there is also a great deal of fear on the part of employers now about being sued over terminations, but good grief, you need to be in control and can't hide from that responsibility. My pet peave is rules that aren't enforced. Then don't make them! I do not miss office work, I'm not sure I could bring myself to do it again, which is sad but true. I have known a few really awesome coworkers though, and I was grateful for those along the way.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I'm glad I work at home, don't have the politics to deal well. The downside is no interactions with people during the day, but maybe some days and some positions its a good thing.
ReplyDeletebetty
Love to avoid politics & drama!
ReplyDeleteIn our office, thankfully, it's absent :)
I've worked in a few offices and only one came with drama! I tend to stay to myself.
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Plucking Of My Heartstrings
I try to avoid it. Work hard out the door then to my life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you - I don't have the time or energy for drama. Life is too short!
ReplyDeleteits tough when you think you can talk your way through a problem with a solution and but all your boss is interested in doing is playing good cop or bad cop routine.
ReplyDeleteI'm a failure at office politics. This is why I stick to being a peripheral figure.
ReplyDeleteMy husband struggles with this - he's not a game player and those who do the office politics thing drive him insane. It's rough in the corporate world now days.
ReplyDeleteA point to ponder indeed! either everybody should be a game player or everybody should be upfront!
ReplyDeleteMemories of politics make me glad I am retired. But I still would like to be part of the work world again. I know why they don't like hiring us old broads, we can shovel it back pretty fast and move on. lol.
ReplyDeleteI avoided office politics whenever possible. It seems that the higher up people get, the more they tend to play such games.
ReplyDelete