June 4, 2007 is another Eiffel

Apparently, workplace jerks are not mere figments of imagination that fill the grapevine with horrid stories and make coffee breaks more interesting. They do exist in real life. "Research shows that they not only hinder recruiting and retention but also raise levels of client churn, damage reputations, and diminish the confidence of investors. Companies that harbor jerks may also suffer from reduced levels of creativity and innovation, as well as impaired or dysfunctional cooperation, within and outside the organization. That is no small matter in an increasingly networked world." The McKinsey Quarterly article provides valuable insight into this realm of older bullies and how those affected can stand up and fight.

As for a vicarious experience, a good friend just had a recent brush with one on his very first day in a new workplace. The company suddenly made a big turn around and decided to allegedly dump him in favor of another person (a vital information which they conveniently forgot to tell him when he took the house key a few days ago). They were then forcing him to sign another contract which definitely contained more disadvantageous provisions and less benefits. When my friend refused to sign it and asked for a copy of the previously signed contract as there might be ticklish questions with respect to bond forfeit, lo and behold the "jerk" tore his contract to pieces. Who wouldn't be shocked right? Was such action normal for company directors? (no matter how powerful they may be!) I can just imagine that "*&^%$# doing it repeatedly. Talk about worker's rights and contract law being fed straight to the compactor.

Lesson to be learned: "When you get a job offer or an invitation to join a team, take a close look at the people you will work with, successful or not. If your potential colleagues are self-centered, nasty, narrow minded, or unethical, he warned, you have little chance of turning them into better human beings or of transforming the workplace into a healthy one, even in a tiny company. In fact, the odds are that you will turn into a jerk as well."

It was indeed a traumatic experience for my friend who fortunately had other better options. (mukhang ginuhit ng tadhana hahaha) Sometimes it does pay to stop, listen and heed the Moirae's call.

Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

Christopher Robin as written by A.A. Milne