I have a scenario for you, and I’d like to know how you would respond to this situation.
Okay, you are at work. Minding your own beeswax. And you begin to notice that one of your coworkers is feeling VERY insignificant in his position. He is getting old. Doesn’t seem to have a family. Lives with cats. And he’s very annoyed, because he’s a very learned guy - with lots of great degrees - and its his hard labor that is moving the group forward.
But no one calls him by his title, and people refer to him by his frist name, and then they dont give him respect. Like for example, at a meeting, the main boss didn’t introduce him to anyone, but then she talked about his work and contribution, and everyone was like “who is she talking about?” - poor guy was sitting in a corner the whole time.
Now he’s lately getting very annoyed with the boss and whenever he talks, he sounds like he’s going to rebel or something.
My question is. How much distance would you keep if any from this person, or would you try to befriend them? Would you view him as a danger to your career?
I’m not talking about GS admin, by the way, so no need to read in between lines - this is a corporate workplace scenario.
Depends. Generally its a good policy to be friends with and have good working relationships with all people in your group/organization. There is no reason to ignore or ostracize someone because of his/her age or reclusiveness.
Old guys dont herd cats. That’s something lonely women do. Anyway,
RUN for your life, or quit this job…unless you want a FMJ bullet lodged into your brain. (an idea flashes through)
Hmm, on second thought, why dont you just talk to him in a patronizing tone and show him you are the boss.
PCG does your job require a lot of team work? Is the nature of the job intellectual?
I mean if this guy is smart and have a lot of degrees, I would think he would be an asset, right?
P.S.Apologies for the bad language. Sometimes i forget i am not in WA.
I feel kinda caught in the middle - cuz when he has an outburst - of which he apparently has frequently and in the middle of meetings - I don't know where to look or how to structure my expression. I typically look down at my shoes as if I'm seeing them for the first time. :o
If I befriend the guy, the boss might think I'm a threat like him. If I don't befriend the guy, he might see me as part of the enemy.
He basically feels undermined and used, in that everyone is basking in glory because of his hard work. He's been complaining about how he needs more manpower to help him with his work, and has been pushing for the boss to hire someone to help him out. I was thinking of offering my help to him, but I also know that when sometimes you offer a hand, they take your arm.
I don't want any one party thinking I'm taking any sides, and yet I'd like to befriend the guy, but at the same time, I dont want anyone thinking I'm part of the rebellion. The other workers have been at conflict with the boss as well these days.
:o
Dope - yes, both teamwork and intellectuality is at play here.
How much distance would you keep if any from this person, or would you try to befriend them? Would you view him as a danger to your career?
(an idea flashes through)
