What is OfficePolitics.com? Real People. Real Problems. Expert Advice.
Franke James is Editor/Founder of Office-Politics.com and Inventor of the Office-Politics® Game. Peter R. Garber has worked as an HR professional for over 25 years and is the author of many business books including: Winning the Rat Race at Work and 100 Ways to Get on the Wrong Side of your Boss. Dina Beach Lynch, is an Ombudsman, Author and former attorney. An award-winning mediator, Dina served as the Corporate Ombudsman for the 7th largest bank in the US helping over 48,000 employees to resolve workplace issues. Dr. Rick Brandon is CEO of Brandon Partners. He has consulted and trained tens of thousands at corporations worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries. Dr. Marty Seldman is one of America's most experienced executive coaches. His 35-year career includes expertise in executive coaching, group dynamics, cross-cultural studies, clinical psychology, and training. Arnie Herz, is a lawyer, mediator, speaker, author and consultant nationally recognized for his practical and inspired approach to conflict resolution and client counseling. Dr. John Burton LL.B. M.B.A. M.Div. Ph.D. is an ethicist, mediator, lawyer and theologian. John is currently located in Prince Rupert, B.C., Canada, working with Canada's aboriginal communities. |
I have been recently advised by my manager that the problem with me is that I don't 'play the game'...
July 2006 Dear Office-Politics, Upon asking about the opportunity for me to move up, I
have been recently advised by my manager that the problem with me is
that I don't play the game. The problem is that "you are an intelligent,
attractive female." "People are intimidated by you." Frustrated
by this, I have asked several times to please coach me on what it is
you would like to see different, to get the response that there is really
nothing specific and that if it was a big deal I would have been pulled
into the office about it. This double talk is maddening. Not-Playing-the-Game Dear
Not-Playing-the-Game, We are sorry about your experiences but hopefully by writing to us you
may be able to help others reflect on their behavior. Best, Rick Brandon, Ph.D. and Marty Seldman, Ph.D., Co-authors
As a practical way of building on the excellent advice from Rick Brandon and Marty Seldman, I'd like to suggest that you seek out a mentor to help guide you through the corporate maze! Susan Butler Bulkeley offers virtual mentorship and talks about how to find the right mentor in her new book "Become the CEO of You Inc." Susan is a very smart and generous lady with a long successful career working for consulting firm Accenture. Franke James Feedback from Not-Playing-the-Game: Thank you for this great information. After reading through
my first thought was "YES!! I am not crazy to think this is alot
of hooey." In fact the turnover in our department is tremendous
and soon I too will be voting with my feet. In my region there are
many competitors who offer better pay and the possibility of better
environments. The company is headed up by a major player in the finance
industry, it would be hard to believe someone with his caliber could
turn a blind eye... but you never know, he might not be able to see
it. Thank you all again.
The Ethics Letters that appears as a feature of this Website is an educational and discussion oriented column designed to help the reader better understand ethical issues. The matters discussed in the letter are reviewed in a summary/abbreviated way and are only meant to foster thinking on the part of the reader. If a person decides to adopt or implement suggestions, they do so at their own risk. No representation or warranty is provided in relation to suggestions or the contents of the letter. Neither the authors of the letter, Franke James, John W. Burton, or the owners of this Website accept any liability whatsoever for any opinions expressed in the letter or for errors and omissions. Submission of letters to the Office-Politics Forum grants the Publisher, Nerdheaven Ltd. the right to reproduce, republish, repurpose and excerpt the submission in any and all other media, without compensation or contacting the author. Copyright Nerdheaven Ltd. 2002-2005
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