Escaping the Clutches of Weasels and Whiners
August 11, 2011
The last blog introduced the Weasel and the Whiner – this week, we will discuss how you can stay focused on your career goals and avoid distractions presented by these workplace pests.
First, you must be able to discern who is a toxic individual. Once identified, you have to figure out a strategic way to remove yourself from the Toxic Team. Start by reminding these individuals of your tremendous work load, which prevents you from extended water cooler chats. This is a diplomatic way of removing yourself (without revealing your feelings) from their constant pity parties. This maneuver also allows you the cover of maintaining the relationships, while actually separating yourself from them.
You may also try to redirect the discussions. However, I don’t suggest spending a lot of time trying to change an adult’s modus operandi. There are trained professionals who get paid a great deal of money to help individuals work out their issues. Don’t allow yourself to be sucked into this process; rarely is it useful to the person or to you.
The key for you is to remember your goals and to stay focused on your career. If you have a complaint about your workplace, take the complaint to someone who can respond appropriately. Venting to your co-workers may provide you with temporary emotional relief, but it rarely allows for the changes you are seeking. Also, if you have spoken to your superiors and have tried to work out a situation to no avail, maybe you have to think about another job. Life is short and we don’t have time to spend on jobs that are unfulfilling.
Now this doesn’t mean that every time you don’t like something at work, you quit. This is not a mature approach to the workplace. We all have to do things that we don’t find fun or gratifying. This is different than being so completely unhappy that you are incapable of doing anything other than constantly complaining. If you get to this point in the workplace, a new position may be in order.
If you have decided to take a job or to remain in a position, recognize that – like all things in life – there will be some good and some bad aspects. In the end, successful people achieve success in large part because of their outlook and perspective on life. They see the glass as half full rather than half empty; they look for opportunities rather than problems.
Conversely, some people are more comfortable playing victim. They are extremely sensitive and tend to blame everyone and everything for their lack of success. They rarely accept personal responsibility and usually meet with limited career and personal success. These individuals are toxic and can derail your success in the workplace. Be civil, but extremely guarded with them. And most of all ensure that you don’t become one of them, lest you risk losing focus and opportunities.
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