In the last post, I covered whether to deal with underground, and often incorrect, employee perceptions. I think you need to as a manager and doing so will help address one of the most pernicious undercurrents: groupthink/group conformity.
In the previous set of posts (The Dark Side of Work Revealed), we discussed how undercurrents or crosscurrents in the workplace, such as power, groupthink, and lying, can affect your work life and career.
It can be hard to imagine that your company has undercurrents, especially since, as I say, they are not well recognized by even the most astute office politicians.
Last time I gave an example of a group meeting where you wanted to vote ‘no.’ But despite this and having promised a colleague Thomas to do so, you voted ‘yes’.
The Dark Side of Work Revealed Work places have undercurrents which are never spoken of but which determine whether you are successful or how far you go. But these undercurrents are difficult to pick up, so to illustrate, here’s a work scenario to show you how they operate. Deciding holiday schedules The deal Your manager wants to discuss holiday scheduling. Thomas comes to your cubicle. Thomas: This meeting at 2:00. I think Susie and the others are gonna snow us. YOU: Huh? Thomas: Because we’re the only two without partners— although I’m working it. Anyhow, Susie’ll suggest we do the Christmas to New Year shift. YOU: But I wanted to ski! Thomas: Exactly. We need time off even if we’re single. So, you’ll support me? YOU: Absolutely. The meeting Note: Ned is the boss, everyone else works for him. Ned: Okay, guys, who will staff December 26-31? Susie: Christmas is a family thing. I need to be with my kids. Thomas: You’re with them every day. Ned: Thomas, let Susie finish. Susie: And the kids are off so I have to be there. Edgar: Yeah, I want to spend time with my new grandchild. Thomas: But I want to…
