Saturday, October 8, 2011

Five Ways To Avoid Bitterness In Office

BITTERNESS OR NEGATIVITY in a workplace is common — it often manifests as a persistent dislike about something or even a recurring conflict. This, in turn, affects the team and department’s performance. Moresha Benjamin lists ways in which you can keep such feelings at bay.

 
Cut Out the Bitching Gossip is detrimental to any professional relationship. “If you have to say things, even if it’s not pleasant, say it openly and make it issue, rather than person-based. Personal integrity is crucial,” says Arjun Shahani, MD, Armstrong World Industries. “Tell nothing but the truth. Bosses can forgive mistakes but if you lie, you’re gone,” he adds.
 

Cultivate Empathy If the boss isn’t behaving cordially, know that he or she may be facing pressures, tension and stress too. Look for the positive in the negative. “You may constitue only 1% of his problems; don’t make it as if it is 100%. Avoid approaching him for simple problems and be selective of what needs his attention,” adds Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder & VP, TeamLease Services. Think from the other person’s point of view before you refuse or agree.

Play Your Role Well “Align yourself with the organisation’s expectations from the point of view of role you play. Ensure that you are in sync with this and have prepared yourself for delivering,” says Meenakshi Roy, senior VP, human resources, Reliance Broadcast Network. Focus on your job output, specifically on timelines and quality.

 

Communicate Clearly “Always keep your communication to your colleagues clear. If you have something in mind, go ahead and and convey it to them instead of keeping it to yourself,” says Tarachandani. Reach out and discuss problem areas upfront with the person rather than being influenced by the grapevine, adds Subhro Bhaduri, executive VP and head — human resources, Kotak Mahindra Bank. Ask for honest feedback at regular intervals; it will make sure you are on top of weak areas and are able to address them well in time, adds Roy.
 
Take a Break If the bitterness is having negative implications on efficiency, it is advisable for the employee to go on a vacation. “During this break, he or she may introspect and get more clarity. On their return, people have usually gotten over their bitterness,” says Prashant Bhatnagar, director, hiring, Sapient India.

 
(The Economic Times, Mumbai, 04-10-2011)

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