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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 moved across country, and now find that the hospital management and staff are weak in skills and very back biting. We all took the Myers Briggs test. I am an INTJ...
May 2006 Dear Office-Politics, I accepted a position within a hospital to start a new department. Moved across country for this position and now find that the hospital management and staff are weak in skills and very back biting. My first full time week there I was called in to the VP's office and told that other doctors and a patient do not like me. I'm wondering how a quick judgment call like this can be done. I do understand that I was brought in because I am a specialist that was non existent within their system. As I may appear to be a threat to other physicians, I'm there to help. The office manager does not have a kind word for anyone and also bad mouths me to other staff members within and out of the office. It is looking like the root of the problem for a harmonious work environment. It has come to my attention that I do not have the authority to fire the office manager or any of the staff if needed. A psychologist was called in to evaluate the office staff. After my wife suggested to the VP the Myers Briggs test (at a party) the psychologist the following Monday came in and administered it. I am an INTJ. Also I have always had a private practice. I'm tied to a 3 year contract and want to make the best of this; any suggestions? Thanks, Physician
in need Dear Physician
in need, Better understanding and communication all round would help. As an INTJ you are characterized as being 'insightful, conceptual, and creative, rational, detached, and objectively critical', not to mention other great qualities. So you have the ability to step back, judge the best course of action, and put your plan into action. That's a great asset. Since your office is open to taking psychological tests, perhaps they would also consider game-playing? Games can be an effective way to help solve relational problems. I don't usually plug my own game "Office-Politics" but I'll make an exception this time. I think it could help you to get your office talking about their office politics problems. Games are a great way to bring hot topics to the surface -- and have people talk about them. Yesterday, I received this feedback on the game from an employee in New York state who works in a law office. "Wonderful. What a hoot! You really covered all the topics. The game has been a hit. We've passed it all over the office. It's really helped us to understand and appreciate the difference in perception between the employees and the employers." I don't think it will hurt, and hopefully it will give you (and your colleagues) a greater understanding of the issues. And as an INTJ (who may sometimes be perceived as removed), it may act as an ice-breaker. Also consider asking the psychologist to act as a facilitator for the game-playing -- it might lead to some very fruitful communications. If it helps I'll give you a discount to try this experiment. Let me know and I'll set up a special discount page. But I'd love feedback on how it works for you. Thanks for writing to Office-Politics. Franke Franke James, MFA Feedback from Physician-in-need,
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