Often times when career writers write about how to deal with problems in an office or factory, one of the actions we recommend is that you go to the human resources department.
But a savvy reader pointed out to me this morning that HR departments are a rarity for some employees. OK, I knew that, but sometimes it gets lost in the shuffle because most of our readers tend to be cogs in big corporate wheels.
The reader’s key points:
I could say a lot, but when people in your position act “as if” everyone has an HR dept. and someone who is paid to listen, they are forgetting that some people work for charming, womanizing drunks who cheat their own suppliers and bully their own employees, because it’s a fun or prestige job, and it’s basically “too bad” if you don’t like the bumps in the road.
I wanted to devote this post to all you working stiffs out there who don’t have the luxury of a team of managers with HR degrees at your disposal.
Bad behavior at work is becoming an even bigger problem in today’s crummy economic reality.
“During a down economy, and particularly when combined with the foreclosure crisis and rapidly rising energy costs, both managers and employees may be feeling increasing stress,” says Joshua Schwarz, a professor of management in the School of Business at Miami University in Ohio. “Under these circumstances, tempers may be shorter and statements may be interpreted in ways that confirm pre-existing fears.”
So what’ a worker to do?
John McKee, a business coach and author of “21 Ways Women in Management Shoot Themselves in the Foot,” offers these tips:
1. Take stock. Someone in this position should ask themselves if they have a clear idea of what really makes them happy. If they don’t, a Personal Action Plan will help lay out a roadmap of where they are, where they are going, and where they need to be for self-fulfillment.
2. Understand the “circle of success”. It’s advisable to spend a measurable amount of time ensuring the boss looks good – however deserved, or not. When (s)he understands that you are able to help her/him succeed, you and your team will get more time, positive attention and resources facilitating your own productivity.
3. “Presence” pays. Sharks smell blood. Dogs sense weakness. So do bad bosses. Carry yourself with best posture and wear attire that imparts your professional stature, abilities and success. If the boss knows you are easily intimidated, you might as well wear a target on your chest.
4. Pace your boss. Let your boss see that you share the same work ethic, and you might just end up on his/her good side – however shallow that may be. Simply put, if your boss is at work, you should be as well. If (s)he has decided that it’s necessary to be there after hours, on weekends, or early in the morning, it is entirely to your advantage to be there at the same time.
5. Circumnavigate. It is imperative that those above and/or lateral to your boss who are in the position to benefit your career in any way know who you are and what you’ve accomplished. Letting others know about your successes will make you a hot commodity for promotions OUT from under the appalling administrator. If done properly, it will not be construed as bragging or conceit and may win your parole in short order.
6. Fish or cut bait. Consider having a private one-on-one dialogue with the boss to discuss what can be done to better satisfy both his/her needs as well as that of the company and, if reasonable, try to provide it. Doing so may help you better emotionally connect with management at large.
7. Hunting season. If all else fails and one simply cannot muster the emotional strength to deal with the sinister superior, it’s time to spit shine the resume. Use this time as an opportunity to re-focus and fine-tune your career path to assure you’re heading in the best direction both professionally and personally.
The workplace, he says, “is not a controlled environment in that there are many personalities, politics and other office culture landmines to navigate. The key is to know how to effectively identify and anticipate a malicious manager’s ‘triggers’ and, subsequently, manipulate each problem situation as it arises to your ultimate advantage.”
I know right now, especially, many workers feel they have to grin and bear everything because of the economic free fall we’re living through. But I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met that have allowed a toxic workplace to eat at them from the inside out. Yes, this kind of strain can impact your health and take years off your life.
I’d love to hear your toxic workplace stories and how you dealt with, or didn’t deal with them.
Eve Tahmincioglu, known as the CareerDiva, is a well known journalist, author, and columnist. Her writings include 'From the Sandbox to the Corner Office: Lessons Learned on the Journey to the Top'. She is the 'Your Career' columnist for MSNBC.com.
CCIEFLYER wishes to thank her for contributing this article.