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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. |
Two members seem to be having a "romantic" relationship. They spend time all day together working on the same work issues...
March 2006 Dear Office-Politics, I was hired to be a Lead Analyst on a project 2 years
ago. The position entails leading analysis efforts, education peers and
supporting senior management with decision making that will promote the
delivery of a software product. My lead position is one in which I am there to lend support for critical matters and they refused to utilize me or communicate what is going on in any way. I have confronted them about the issue and now the tension among us is very uncomfortable. The other team members feel that the "duo" is creating a us vs. them environment. Another issue with this is our management team will not address it because the work is still getting done. I am ready to resign but really don't want to because I have 4 years invested in the company and do enjoy what I do. Any advice on how to deal with this? Thanks. Third
Wheel Dear Third Wheel, We truly wish we could be there with you to get a sense of what's really going on since, obviously, it's impossible to know from the outside and there are so many possible interpretations. Two key questions to ask yourself honestly, the two we need to better understand in order to really offer concrete suggestions are: • IS THERE SABOTAGE, COLLUSION, OR OVERLY POLITICAL BEHAVIOR GOING ON? • WHAT IS YOUR REAL BATTLE, AND IS IT WORTH FIGHTING? SABOTAGE OR DECEPTION? WHAT BATTLE ARE YOU FIGHTING? 1) MAKE IT A THREESOME! 2) DO YOUR OWN THING 3) PLAY HARDBALL We also recognize you can always check out your options in other companies, but so far there are more avenues to pursue before that last resort. We wish you well, and may you navigate with savvy and a moral compass! Then you won't lose sleep at night. Thanks for writing to Office-Politics. Best, Rick Brandon, Ph.D. and Marty Seldman, Ph.D., Co-authors
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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