Play the game
April 28, 2005
I give people the benefit of the doubt. I think people will do good if left to their own devices. Sadly, I’m always let down by some.
Unfortunately for all, my company has set arbritary rules that punish the group for the misbehaviour of the few. I’m certain this is not isolated - I’m sure companies do it all the time. As part of my duties, I am to reinforce and uphold these rules. I personally think most of them are ridiculous but it is my job and I will do it.
It’s very easy dealing with me. All I need from you is to hear the words: “You’re right Jerry, I won’t do it again. I’m sorry.” I’ll even take, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know about this rule but it won’t happen again.” Say the words. Let me hear them from your lips. Maybe there was a good reason for the situation - explain it to me: “Sorry Jerry but this happened because (reason).” Whatever it is, I don’t care if you’re bullshitting me or if you’re sincere. Say the words and I’ll be out of your hair. Just don’t do it again. When I’ve walked away, feel free to laugh and joke about what a crock of shit you just said. Doesn’t matter, it’s all about the delivery of those words.
It helps to be respectful. I show everyone a certain level of common courtesy - all I ask for is for you to show me the same level of courtesy. Again, I will give people the benefit of the doubt but when people respond to my courtesy with rudeness, sarcastic remarks, or just stupid responses, it ups the level on my part.
It’s a game. It’s just a fucking game. Like every game, there are rules. Play the fucking game, follow the fucking rules. Simple as that. It’s not worth standing up to make a minor point. It’s not gonna pay off to make smart-alecky remarks when I’m still within earshot. No matter how stupid a rule is, it’s still part of your fucking job - you agreed to abide by company rules.
Some others will be vindicative and find twisted ways to extract “revenge”. I won’t. I don’t have the time for it because I’m swamped with work. You’re not worth my effort. I will however remember you on my ‘list’. When I choose between two people for something good - one of whom I don’t know and one of whom is on ‘the list’, I will choose the one not on ‘the list’. When I need to give something bad to the same people… who do you think I will give it to? I’m not being vindicative - I’m being normal. I will treat those whom I like better than those I don’t. Being a sarcastic prat isn’t going make me like you better.
Sigh. Sometimes I think it’d just be easier if I were to treat everyone like shit. Fucking principles get in the way.
April 29th, 2005 at 07:34
Treating everyone like shit only works if you are not sensitive in any way and can bounce back from your underlings scheming their way back at you. You’re a good person Jerry. Sorry that you have to deal with this stuff at work.
By the by, if you weren’t in Japan i don’t think that you’d have group punishment so much unless you’re in the military. Generally speaking, this cohesive behaviour is more prominant in Asian societies where group harmony is seen as vital to societal harmony. We’re all about the individualism in north america. Woot!
April 29th, 2005 at 15:46
Most people are great - they’ll be mature, professional, and good people. It’s just that 5% that cause all the problems.
April 30th, 2005 at 09:06
Baby, i worked at UNDP. You are lucky you didn’t have to deal with power hungry, beaurocratic, passive agressive or just plain agressive nut jobs.
5% is hard to deal with but just thank your lucky stars you aren’t in a place where people are completely whacked on AVERAGE.
March 20th, 2007 at 17:46
[...] met my share of terrible people at work. Mostly it comes down to attitude, holier-than-thou personas, always blaming something else, or just plain angry people. Unfortunately our test subject did not [...]