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Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 1:52:21 PM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline 		Right then.

Yours truly has been hired for office work.   I will try to smile while on phone  as voice then  relects it.

My buddy got me in.  But I was not to admit I know him.  [a platonic friend]  The 3rd time asked- I had no choice but to admit I knew him.  Mmy buddy is afraid- i wont tow the line and his reputation would be effected.  Now- we all have seen me on a rant, fragmented, obtuse,  poor grammar and spelling.  We seen me personalize topics that worked me up- and in the end- alot of effort for --- words on a screen.

Anyhow- I just got word on this 2 hours ago.  I start tommorrrow.  So I need to brush up on office demeanor and politics, and CYA.

Your analysis please.
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RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 1:55:49 PM   
celticlord2112


Posts: 5732
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

Right then.

Yours truly has been hired for office work. I will try to smile while on phone as voice then relects it.

My buddy got me in. But I was not to admit I know him. [a platonic friend] The 3rd time asked- I had no choice but to admit I knew him. Mmy buddy is afraid- i wont tow the line and his reputation would be effected. Now- we all have seen me on a rant, fragmented, obtuse, poor grammar and spelling. We seen me personalize topics that worked me up- and in the end- alot of effort for --- words on a screen.

Anyhow- I just got word on this 2 hours ago. I start tommorrrow. So I need to brush up on office demeanor and politics, and CYA.

Your analysis please.



First principle: Make your buddy look good.

_____________________________



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RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 2:05:27 PM   
NorthernGent


Posts: 8730
Joined: 7/10/2006
Status: offline 		Professional at all times.

Do not get involve in cliques and office gossip.


_____________________________

I have the courage to be a coward - but not beyond my limits.

Sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.

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RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 2:21:59 PM   
subtee


Posts: 5133
Joined: 7/26/2007
Status: offline 		If you get pissed off, remove yourself gracefully. Go to the bathroom and play with yourself or something. Wait it out and think...

_____________________________

Don't believe everything you think...

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RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 2:34:29 PM   
Vendaval


Posts: 10297
Joined: 1/15/2005
Status: offline 		First of all, do something to release the stress, like taking a long walk or exercising, having a warm bath, etc.
 
Get the clothing and shoes and grooming supplies laid out and ready to go ahead of time.  Make sure the clothes are in good repair and ironed.  Check your shoes for scruffs or marks and polish them up.

Check the weather forecast and add a sweater or jacket accordingly.  You should ask about the temperature inside the building, if it runs hot or cold, no heat, too much air conditioning, etc.
 
Be sure to use your anti-perspirant/deodorant.  Do not wear any strong smelling after-shave, cologne or the like.  Small cubicle spaces make for over-sensitivity to smells and sounds. I pack a travel sized toothbrush and toothpaste in my purse for after lunch.
 
Stay calm, cool and collected in any and all circumstances.  You are expected to be civil, polite and willing to be trained to their specifications.

Work with mental imaging and meditation to sharpen your focus and prepare yourself.

Avoid too much caffeine!  That will just make you more nervous and jumpy.
 
Smile and nod and be pleasant.  Half of impressing a boss is attitude the other half is appearance.
 
Best of luck to you, hunk boy! 

(format edit)

< Message edited by Vendaval -- 3/27/2008 2:37:37 PM >

_____________________________

"Beware, the woods at night, beware the lunar light.
So in this gray haze we'll be meating again, and on that
great day, I will tease you all the same."
"WOLF MOON", OCTOBER RUST, TYPE O NEGATIVE


http://KinkMeet.co.uk

(in reply to pahunkboy)
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RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 2:40:45 PM   
mnottertail


Posts: 60698
Joined: 11/3/2004
Status: offline 		dont tell anyone what they are doing wrong, do not get too personal right away, keep calm, really learn the job, and watch, watch, watch...the lines on the paper aint how it works, the janitor could be the most powerful motherfucker in that company............

It takes a while to figure who is real, who is bullshitting and who can help or hurt your ass......................

Ron

_____________________________

Have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two? Judges 5:30


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RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 2:42:17 PM   
Emperor1956


Posts: 2370
Joined: 11/7/2005
Status: offline 		You got some great advice so far.  I'm a "boss"...the comments about staying out of the gossip are dead on.  While I'm not quite as picky as Vendeval's boss types (I really won't notice your shoes are scuffed) some are...and your co workers WILL be.   So what can I add?

-Punctuality counts.
-So does neatness.
-You are new.  You will make mistakes.  Accept correction gracefully.  LISTEN to what was expected, and meet expectations the next time.
-Treat every person in the workplace with respect.  Expect that same treatment.
-It isn't about you.  It is about getting the job done.   Show me that you understand that, and we'll get along fine and you will do very, very well.

Knock 'em dead tiger!   Good luck.

-E

Edited to add:  Watch out for that guy named "RON"...he knows where ALL the bodies are buried.

< Message edited by Emperor1956 -- 3/27/2008 2:55:28 PM >

_____________________________

"When you wake up, Pooh," said Piglet, "what's the first thing you say?"
"What's for breakfast? What do you say, Piglet?"
"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?"
Pooh nodded thoughtfully.
"It's the same thing," he said.

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RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 2:53:29 PM   
slaveboyforyou


Posts: 3607
Joined: 1/6/2005
From: Arkansas, U.S.A.
Status: offline 		I work in an office too, and you just have to observe and ask a lot of questions when you start.  Be on time, in fact be early the first few months.  I try to get to work 20 minutes before we start.  I usually just drink coffee and chat.  It's a good way to get to know everyone there.  I am friendly and courteous to everyone there (even the people I can't stand), and I never act like I am too good to do something.  I don't really enjoy my job all that much, but I don't let anyone know that.  I am looking for something else, but I never look  for other jobs or take calls about my resume at work.  I agree with others that neatness is important.  I'm allowed to dress business casual, but I do make a point to shine my shoes a couple times a week and look my best.  Good luck.

(in reply to pahunkboy)
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RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 3:25:07 PM   
farglebargle


Posts: 10715
Joined: 6/15/2005
From: Albany, NY
Status: offline 		Early is On Time.

On Time is Late.

Late is as bad as Not Showing Up.

Make Coffee.


_____________________________

It's not every generation that gets to watch a civilization fall. Looks like we're in for a hell of a show.

ברוך אתה, אדוני אלוקינו, ריבון העולמים, מי יוצר צמחים ריחניים

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RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 3:31:19 PM   
NorthernGent


Posts: 8730
Joined: 7/10/2006
Status: offline 		Regarding the shoes/smartness comments, one of the lads who works for me looks like he lives in a cave, but he's worth his weight in gold. 'Brimming with quality ideas and can deal with anyone on any level in any given situation. He pretty much takes everything in his stride, and doesn't need motivating.........with the exception of being given a lot of room to breathe. Point is, Pahunk, if you can find a niche you'll have no problems.

Points I'd reiterate:

Treat everyone with respect, and feel your way into the environment. I had to learn the hard way on more than one occasion when I tried to take over the group in the early months - slow, steady progress wins the race.

'Best piece of advice I've heard is this: first and foremost, it's about getting the job done. No boss in his right mind is interested in the ins and outs of Mandy's spat with John over something that was overheard by Sue in the lasses' toilets down the pub. In the event they can't keep their playground antics out of the office, he'll look to ship them out - no questions asked (regardless of who's right and wrong).

Although I expect good time-keeping and decent grooming, I can bend in those areas. I'm far less tolerant of back-stabbing and cliques; that kind of behaviour can spread like cancer, and the only option is to nip it in the bud at all costs.

I suppose it's a case of behaving in line with a reasonable human being and keeping in mind the conditions of your employment - presumably, nowhere in the contract will it advise you to engage in office gossip.

< Message edited by NorthernGent -- 3/27/2008 3:33:29 PM >

_____________________________

I have the courage to be a coward - but not beyond my limits.

Sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.

(in reply to Emperor1956)
Profile   Post #: 10
RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 3:43:14 PM   
Level


Posts: 25145
Joined: 3/3/2006
Status: offline 		Congrats, pahunk.
 
Don't be web-surfing while on the job.

_____________________________

Fake the heat and scratch the itch
Skinned up knees and salty lips
Let go it's harder holding on
One more trip and I'll be gone

~~ Stone Temple Pilots

(in reply to NorthernGent)
Profile   Post #: 11
RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 3:47:11 PM   
kittinSol


Posts: 16926
Status: offline 		Rule one of office work: it's not what you do that matters, it's how much noise you make about it.

Be friendly, even towards complete cunts. Huh... make coffee. Be punctual.

I'm really good at giving advice, but I suck at following it.

Signed: she who lost to the biggest bureaucracy on the planet.

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RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 4:37:44 PM   
Poetryinpain


Posts: 341
Joined: 3/20/2008
Status: offline 		Congratulations on the new job.

My advice - in addition to seconding (or thirding) that given above:

- Familiarize yourself with the company's policies, procedures, and above all their mission statement and/or core values.
- In addition, be sure you understand your supervisor's interpretation of the above.
- If your job includes interaction with customers, remember this:
    * The customer may not always be right, but the customer is always the customer.
- The same applies to the boss.


_____________________________

There is none so blind as he who will not see.

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Profile   Post #: 13
RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 5:40:55 PM   
Griswold


Posts: 2739
Joined: 2/12/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

Right then.

Yours truly has been hired for office work.   I will try to smile while on phone  as voice then  relects it.

My buddy got me in.  But I was not to admit I know him.  [a platonic friend]  The 3rd time asked- I had no choice but to admit I knew him.  Mmy buddy is afraid- i wont tow the line and his reputation would be effected.  Now- we all have seen me on a rant, fragmented, obtuse,  poor grammar and spelling.  We seen me personalize topics that worked me up- and in the end- alot of effort for --- words on a screen.

Anyhow- I just got word on this 2 hours ago.  I start tommorrrow.  So I need to brush up on office demeanor and politics, and CYA.

Your analysis please.



Don't sign on to become the office spell checker.

(in reply to pahunkboy)
Profile   Post #: 14
RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 6:00:58 PM   
SubRefuge


Posts: 24
Joined: 5/17/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy
Your analysis please.


Know your boss, and what he/she likes and dislikes.  Ask them about their likes in a manner to make them look good, or let you listen to them tell you how good/cool/intelligent they are.  Listen attentively so you have information about them for later.  If you listen well and act interested, they will start to like you.  Be careful - some bosses don't want to get too close to employees - so you will have to play it by ear.  If you are liked by the boss, it makes it harder for you to get in trouble for errors you may commit.
 
RE: errors you may commit.  Don't admit to wrongdoing.  Ever.  "I don't remember doing it that way, but I may have" is as close as you should come unless you are standing in the middle of a circle of your co-workers who are all pointing the finger at you. 
 
Example: I was an assistant manager in a "Big Box" office supply store.  The receiving manager filled out his yearly review and the store manager let me read it.  The receiving manager gave himself all "A+" ratings, with maybe one or two "A"'s.  He was at best a B+ worker.
 
The manager called him in, and we all sat down to discuss his performance.  The manager points to the review and said, "Do you honestly believe that you have done A+ work all year long?  Nothing that might have been a B, or even C grade work?"  The receiving manager didn't bat an eye and told him, "There is no way that if I did something less than "A" quality I would ever report it.  You may not have noticed the work was not "A" quality.  You are the one who will have to work at reducing my review grade.  I won't load the gun for you to shoot me with it." 
 
He was smarter than he looked.
 
If you
  • ask questions during the first month to learn from your mistakes
  • do your job well
  • don't point out other's mistakes
  • inherit a sense of entitlement because everyone else has one
  • and make your boss like you

you will have a good base from which to work comfortably.

< Message edited by SubRefuge -- 3/27/2008 6:03:26 PM >

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Profile   Post #: 15
RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 6:04:03 PM   
JulieorSarah


Posts: 552
Joined: 8/25/2007
Status: offline 		Pahunkboy,  Well done
Going to a new school/job is always a bit scarey, you don't know who the cool kids are, who are the bullies, idiots, etc, where the toilets are, where does everyone have lunch, etc .... so while you suss it all out go with the flow,  If you can, before the first day go to the workplace, have a look at how everyone else (particularly the males) dress, and dress a step up on your first day - makes a good impression.  Also while you are still unknown, you can check out how to get there, parking, etc.  Plan to be there at least 20 min early.  Sit outside in the sun, or a coffee shop, but no caffiene.

be clean, in body and clothes - fingernails? shaved - other hairy bits?

Avoid alcohol, caffiene, sugary foods, for the first few days. Allow your body and instincts to work well in your favour.   Listen to what's asked of you and if you can't do it for whatever reason, go back and ask the same person, or their offsider, they are expecting you to make mistakes, if you don't ask questions it will be noticed. 
talk to your buddy, what are his expectations, try to make his decision in recommending you a good one. 

Give it at least three weeks - i try to stick it out three months - before deciding that it is or is not for you ... leave or stay for you, not for anyone else.

Congratulations and good luck - please give a follow up on how you go ...

j

(in reply to Griswold)
Profile   Post #: 16
RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 6:15:03 PM   
windchymes


Posts: 9410
Joined: 4/18/2005
Status: offline 		What everyone else said, and.....

ABSOLUTELY NO DATING ANYONE FROM THE OFFICE!!!!!!!

No matter how hot he is! 

< Message edited by windchymes -- 3/27/2008 6:16:12 PM >

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You know it's going to be a GOOD blow job when she puts a Breathe Right strip on first.

Pick-up artists and garbage men should trade names.

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Profile   Post #: 17
RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 6:57:40 PM   
TheHeretic


Posts: 19100
Joined: 3/25/2007
From: California, USA
Status: offline 		        Congrats on the new gig, Pahunk.  After 20+ years of lifting heavy things and getting dirty for a living, I started working an office job almost a year ago.  There is some very good advice already given on this thread.  Speaking as an office newbie, and the low guy on the totem pole (that expression is actually backwards, you know), I would add that you should never hesitate to do some dirty little job that needs doing.  I will drop everything to go kill a spider at another desk, in slow moments I'll dump every recycling can in the office.  Angry person on 4 needs to be politely told "no?"  That's mine.

      If you decide to join in the fwd'ing of funny/political/Jesus-loves-you emails, clean them up before passing them around and don't make any comments on them you wouldn't make to the CEO (s/he just might get it). 

       You certainly can and should try to stay out of the office gossip (plenty of it will be about you to begin with anyway) but there is no avoiding the politics and personalities.  That complete bitch everybody else just seems to tolerate might be the most effective person in the room.  Be patient and nice, regardless.  Hell, it might turn out that she is receiving treatment for her mood swings and will appreciate you not taking it personally. 


         Best wishes, and YES, you do have to shave every day.

_____________________________

If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.


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Profile   Post #: 18
RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 7:58:04 PM   
TheHeretic


Posts: 19100
Joined: 3/25/2007
From: California, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: SubRefuge


RE: errors you may commit.  Don't admit to wrongdoing.  Ever.  "I don't remember doing it that way, but I may have" is as close as you should come unless you are standing in the middle of a circle of your co-workers who are all pointing the finger at you.  
 



        I disagree strongly with this.  If you fuck up, 'fess up.  Mistakes are expected.  Don't make it worse.  More than that, do you want to start off with a reputation as a liar?  Learn from your errors.  Better, try to catch them before others do and repair what damage you can.

      Unless you set the place on fire, or let the company cat out to get hit by a car or something.  Then lie your ass off.

_____________________________

If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.


(in reply to SubRefuge)
Profile   Post #: 19
RE: Office politics ? advise pls - 3/27/2008 9:02:46 PM   
Emperor1956


Posts: 2370
Joined: 11/7/2005
Status: offline 		AHEM...from the head office:

Kittinsol:  Rule one of office work: it's not what you do that matters, it's how much noise you make about it.  No.  absolutely not true.  You are not getting a raise, dear.  well...unless you bat those baby blues and wiggle a bit and say pleeeeeeasse...

(and that by the way is how it really works, all too often).

oh and subrefuge?  RE: errors you may commit.  Don't admit to wrongdoing.  Ever.  "I don't remember doing it that way, but I may have" is as close as you should come unless you are standing in the middle of a circle of your co-workers who are all pointing the finger at you.  
 
You're fired.

--from The Boss.

(Overheard from my boss, the owner, to someone who just didn't get it:     "You know, life is short, and hard.  Don't ever be somewhere you don't want to be.  If you really don't like working with us, maybe you should consider giving some other company your skills?"    The man has a way...of saying "You're fired")
 


_____________________________

"When you wake up, Pooh," said Piglet, "what's the first thing you say?"
"What's for breakfast? What do you say, Piglet?"
"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?"
Pooh nodded thoughtfully.
"It's the same thing," he said.

(in reply to kittinSol)
Profile   Post #: 20
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