Office politics

When you work in small firms, people play low-class and petty politics. Colleagues squabble with one another. Aunties gang up against another. Any dislike is apparent. Workplace is a marketplace. Buey song? Just do a catfight and get a MC tomorrow.

When you work in big firms, politics are silent and lethal. People may stab you from the front and you don’t realise it. Workplace is a political minefield. It’s not easy navigating your way through unhurt.

Gossips, put-downs, blaming, and back biting are common.

There are many tattletales, i.e. gossip-mongers who has nothing better to do after lunch, but to make a defenseless victim in the office the subject to their venomous spite. And then tongues after tongues start wagging in the office.

Example 1, A becomes the eyesore of B because A always leaves the office by 6. Silly people. Staying late does not equate to working hard. Like wake up the bloody idea already.

Example 2: “She has a portfolio of easily managed clients. She has an easy life.” Losers. They are not the only people working hard. What they doesn’t see doesn’t mean it is not happening.

Example 3: Colleagues who play the taiji game. “I won”t do unless it is to my benefit.” No matter how many times the managers reiterate the importance of teamwork, the only people in the team I see all the time are “my, myself, and I”.

SoI say office is not a good place to find partners (there will be mroe divorce) or forge deep friendships (mostly are 9-5 friends).

It is also naive to speak of second chances. They are not permitted. People don’t remember about the good you have done, but one mistake leaves an indelible mark. It is laughable to speak of second chances in the corporate world. Everyone is unforgiving. Sometimes I think professionalism is crap.

If everyone can be more gracious and forgiving, the workplace will be a more pleasant environment and everyone will feel sense of belonging.

As for myself, I’m not someone easy to get along with, and I definitely don’t have a friendly demeanour. I easily pass off as stuck-up and arrogant. I don’t talk to you, unless you talk to me or you strike an impression. I don’t really care about how my colleagues view me or my personal life. I just want to finish my work to my best ability and leave office as early as possible. Focus in forging friendships with people who matter. I am not ashamed to say I’ve only one friend in office. That’s enough. She made a difference.

Office politics – do you play or pass?