Relationships - The Workplace.

Happy April Fools to you!

I have chosen this day to share this relationship nugget for a very specific reason, that I will delve into, momentarily.
Additionally, this post is dedicated to all of you that are navigating the unpredictable, but necessary environment, more commonly known as the workplace. This post will definitely be the beginning of a series. In my 25 years in the workplace, I witnessed and been party to many avoidable pitfalls. I would like to take a moment to set a pretext for this discussion. My mentor shared a key principle with me, that governs my philosophy and conduct in the area of relationships. It is this:  "People are very complicated." Yes, you are correct; that statement also includes you and me.

The reason that I spoke of, at the onset of the previous paragraph, for sharing this entry, I will now speak to. The workplace is a micro chasm of individuals from diverse backgrounds, that have only two common characteristics with their peers, subordinates, and supervisors.

1. 90%-99% of the individuals have no ownership in the company/agency/firm. (other than stockholders.) i.e. Everyone is, essentially, one tweet, text, IM, email. fax, or phone call away from being fired.
2. All of the individuals must, to a greater or lesser degree, work together, into order to achieve some level of efficient productivity.

These two characteristics combined, are a guaranteed recipe for drama, heartache, gossip, backbiting, and competition. Hence, we must do our part to not only avoid these pitfalls, but also maintain a laser-like focus on being the solution as well.

I was told, recently, by a reader that my posts were a bit lengthy, so I will reduce this one and conclude it with ten points.

Ten ways to not be the fool at work (in April or any other month.)

1. As it pertains to gossip, there are only 3 roles: Speaker of gossip, listener of gossip, or topic of gossip. You have to pick one, so I would strongly suggest that you only be the topic. To desire to be none of three is impossible, because everyone has insecurities. As long as insecurities exist, so will gossip. Just keep it away from your lips and ears.
2. If there is a disagreement between yourself and a peer, if the situation and your temperament permits, attempt to resolve it with them directly. Discussing it causes others to take sides, which is unfair, without them not having heard both sides.
3. Not everyone will like you. Save the energy spent on trying to win these people over. Use it, instead, to show appreciation to those who value you. Some people will have to be fed with a slingshot. It is what it is.
4. Avoid workplace romance with every fiber of your being. I know that some happy couples have met at work. However, please be aware of the possibility that if it doesn't work out, it could impact your reputation, promotability, and other work relationships as well.
5. Don't discuss your pay with other co-workers. "Keeping it real" does not apply to talking about your wages. Once the money door is open, it is almost impossible to close. You may be asked for loans, or used by a peer, with their supervisor, as an "anonymous" example as to why they should be getting paid more. It happens.
6. Don't be the person who eats all the food at pot lucks.......but never brings items; or worse: the person that always brings the forks or napkins. Pardon the grammar, but, "That ain't even cool."
7. Check your breath before engaging in conversation with others. Also, if it is within your budget, try to have some mints in your work area, within plain sight of your co-workers. You never know when a close talker will roll up and be like, "HEYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!" Not good. Be ready.
8. Always smile and speak first. If you do this consistently, you will never have to keep record of who never speaks to you first. This will allow you to have a better rapport with all.
9. Resist the urge to wear tight fitting clothes. Everyone knows that you are sexy. If you take issue with this point, please read my previous post: Relationships - Are you on display............or hidden?
10. If you have plans to leave your job, do so in a professional manner. Don't steal items, curse anyone out, or speak negatively of your current/former employer. My mentor has also shared this nugget with me and I believe it applies here. "How you exit, affects how you enter."

Thank you for your time. Remember that all posts on "The Wick Daddy Show!" are shared only for your benefit. I love each of you and want to be a part of your success; to whatever extent I am permitted to be. Holla back, comment, or respond accordingly. Be advised that our vernacular reflects the diversity of our audience. Please pardon the periodic Ebonic references. I make every attempt to make sure they are sprinkled as lightly as possible, so that all may partake. Peace family and to God be the glory.

Dr. Wick Daddy
Copyright 2011

 

Copyright 2011 - "The Wick Daddy Show!"

Dr. Wick Daddy