Getting your player ready...
Dear J.T. & DALE: I’ve worked for three companies in which I knew for sure that there was a company spy or snitch who told tales, trying to curry favor with the boss. Can you advise on this? – Tony
DALE: Here’s a principle that will help anyone dealing with corporate politics (and that’s everyone who works, or wants to): The only secret is to assume that there are no secrets. Just take as a given that everything you say and do is going to be known to your fellow employees and to management. You might think, “That’s not true – there are exceptions.” Right, but you never know which ones will be the exceptions, so just assume that there are no secrets. J.T.: While that would avoid many problems, there always are going to be people who misrepresent what goes on or who make up stories to gain favor. The best advice in these situations is to stay calm, stick to the facts and let the culprits hang themselves – they always do. Meanwhile, work to be one of the people who genuinely wants to see the company succeed. DALE: Yes, you make bad rumors hard to believe by being known to all as someone who puts the good of the team first. That’s how the best corporate politicians seem not to be politicians. J.T.: All employees should recognize that their job is to help their employer succeed. Those who can’t feel that sense of loyalty need to look for another job. You might be thinking, “But the company isn’t loyal to me!” If so, remember this: You should not be thinking of yourself as an employee; you are a business-of-one, and your client is paying your bills. If you don’t like the relationship, find another client. Don’t risk getting fired by delivering poor customer service. Be a smart business owner. If you don’t like the arrangement, be professional and do something about it. Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve currently been at a job for about four-and-a-half years, and I have become increasingly unhappy. I’ve started a job search but feel that I cannot be in the position much longer without compromising my sanity. Therefore, my plan is to set a firm date to resign (in eight weeks) whether I have found a new position or not. I do have some savings to sustain me without an income, but it is, of course, still risky. Given the risk, as well as the fact that many employers are skeptical of those out of work, should I take the plunge? If not, what do you recommend? – Chris J.T.: I cannot in good faith ever advise someone to quit his or her job to look for a new one. In fact, I strongly encourage you not to. DALE: There are plenty of hiring managers who will assume that you were fired or forced to leave. Should you tell them that you voluntarily left because you were unhappy or worried about compromising your sanity, they’ll worry that you are touchy or oversensitive.
