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 feel the strangling hold of office politics...

May 2005, Article 3

Dear Office-Politics,

I am about to get hired, working as a receptionist in a temp-to-hire position. I have worked more difficult positions before, so I have more skills than they did when they started working here as receptionists. So, I feel the strangling hold of office politics.

I've only been here a short while, so I guess they don't even know me yet, but it's just aggravating when you try to be nice and they roll their eyes at you or barely acknowledge you. I know I shouldn't care, but they sent me back to the agency one time for not fitting in with the company. I wouldn't have come back if I had some other source of income... When they requested me back, they called the agency stating that the CEO wanted me back. So, now I'm just here worried all the time that they won't like me -- because if they don't I'll be out of a job. How can I stop worrying so much?

Worried

Dear Worried,

You need to develop a thicker skin to protect yourself. You can't live your life in fear of what other's think of you. Remember that most people are more worried about themselves and their life, than you.

Let's think positively. In your role as receptionist you need to be a pleasant and tactful intermediary between the customer and the company. It takes skill, savviness and attention to detail to do that really well. Clearly you must be doing something right to have the CEO ask you back. When someone whacks you down, smile and let the insult roll off your back. (It will drive them crazy that you can persevere despite being under attack.)

Remember the CEO's request and let it bolster your confidence. Look for opportunities to be kind to people, to genuinely stroke their egos (but not with false flattery), and to stickhandle problems so that the right people can defuse the situation before it gets out of control. The role of receptionist is important -- you are the face and voice of the company. Take pride in that.

Even if you don't stay for long at this company, the people you impress now can be very helpful in finding you your next job. Keep your eyes open, do your job well, and the right people will notice. Good luck.

Thanks for writing to Office-Politics. Let us know how things work out.

Cheers,

Franke

Franke James, MFA
Creator, The Office-Politics Game