Navigating competitive workplaces
Anonymous
Navigating competitive workplaces
I always knew the team I'm on had an element of competition, but sheesh! I did not realize how bad it really is sometimes. Over the last few months, I've discovered that some colleagues who I thought were good eggs go behind your back on projects without looping you in or just outright withholding important information to your detriment. There are also alliances within the team among long-time colleagues that often come into play. Even in conversations, one person will say, "Oh yes, please loop in Jenny on that project. She and I go way back. We're good friends." It almost feels thuggish.
They'll also praise each other's work but say nothing when someone they're not friends with does something impressive or completes a major project. Newer employees like myself go unacknowledged.
So, at this point, my first instinct is to follow suit, keep my mouth shut, and be helpful only to those who are kind and honest and reciprocate. I'll share info when I have to. I don't want to be taken advantage of by people who are not supportive or leave out important details that I need to succeed. I had no idea this office was such a minefield, and in some cases, the mines are set by the teammates two cubicles down.
If this sounds familiar to you, how have you survived in a place like this? When I was first hired, I was told that everyone works well together and strives to be inclusive. I was encouraged to get in touch with lots of colleagues and always cc them when necessary.
Apparently, not everyone follows suit.
Share your insight
Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.
2 Comments
Join the conversation