When entering a new workplace it is important –very important– to understand what the leadership is ultimately looking for. Often there is a problem child in the mix that leadership either wants to fix or remove. I’ve found myself in both situations. In truth I’ve never entered into a workplace where there was not a problem child. In truth if you’ve never entered into a workplace where there is not a problem child then it is probably you.
Problems come in many forms. The worst, in my opinion, is the manipulator. I’ve been in places time and again when an individual manages to fail up and as a result creates a great deal of social discord in the workplace, which eventually leads to a huge division between the workers and the individual. It also is really tough on the new guy who comes in impartial and unbiased but, recognizing the issues at play almost instantly realize the depth of the dysfunction, is stuck in a really hard place between trying to maintain the peace and trying to do a job made so much harder by the impediments.
This is my life as such. What I am struggling with most of all is the fallout of it all and trying to remain a positive figure in the midsts of all of the dysfunction.
Some Thoughts:
- Every workplace is going to have problems. You gotta make a choice between ignoring those problems and playing nice or doing what you believe is best to make the place work right.
- I made my choice.