Finding it hard to survive at work
I have been working in my dad’s friend’s company for the past few months. I began thinking that I would be treated as an equal employee, but it does not seem to be the case. I do not have many friends in office as they look at me as the ‘boss’s friend.’ I am always forgiven if, I commit a mistake and in the bargain my colleagues end up gossiping about me. On the other hand, my boss (uncle) is not open to the idea of sending me to work in another office. I feel like I am not giving it my best and I really want to leave his office. How do I do it without hurting him? Will I be able to survive the work environment?
Ans: The grass may seem greener on the other side, so if you ask any other colleague in your work place they would probably envy you with the kind of comfort and the leeway you get at this office. However you are right about the career growth and the working to your best potentials, you can probably consider discussing it with your uncle. Obviously your uncle will wish the best for you and if he knows that working in his office is stunning your growth in your career he will understand and ask you to move on. But first try to apply for another better positioned job so that you are not at any lose or else you might miss out on both sides. So first hunt for a good job, then convince your boss and then see how it goes. May be in the process you realize working here is not that bad and at time enjoying the perks of being the boss’s friend is not so bad.
Also Read : Agony Aunt helps you to deal with workplace problems
Communication gap
I have a small-scale industry of 25 members around the age group of 25-27 years in an NGO. There are few members who are around 60 years old. There is an issue of miscommunication between some members. I think the reason is the age gap so there are contradictions in their ideas and no one agrees to listen to each other. Out of respect, the young members don’t speak up but they get annoyed when the old ones interfere in their job and this makes it really hard for them to concentrate on their work. I cannot help them because I get busy with my work so I am unable to resolve this issue with them. Due to this, they think that I am not on their side and I am encouraging the elderly to go on with what they are doing. I am not taking sides but I am not able to find a solution to this. I don’t want to lose any of the members because they all have great capabilities. Please help.
Ans: As a leader you should be avoiding to take sides and that is what you should stick to as that is a wise decision to make in this situation. What your team lacks is group cohesiveness and hence they need team building sessions. You can probably initially try by yourself, or if you think it’s not helping much then you can hire a professional industrial psychologist to help you’ll with the same. It may include the whole to work on trust, soft skill training so that they not only learn to speak well to the outsiders but can also learn to communicate better with each other, and most importantly they need conflict management, which will help them to take care of such situation. Also at your end you can keep motivating to complete their task irrespective of whether others discouragement, your appreciation and recognition will be highly encouraging.
Read More : Agony Aunt helps you to deal with the workplace problems
Work hampering family life
I am working in an IT firm but I am leaving this job due to personal issues. I had a lot of responsibilities on me which I am unable to delegate because I don’t trust that they will be able to handle it properly. I am a perfectionist and I believe in doing my job myself and not handing over to others but now that I have to leave it is necessary that I delegate the duties to my co-ordinates. I loved my job and due to this I am not able to accept that I have to leave it and trust someone to do my tasks. I spoke to my head about this but that didn’t help. I don’t want to leave the job but at the same time I am helpless because of my family issues. I am getting stressed day by day. What should I do?
Ans: You can take a deep breath to begin with, allow yourself to take time and give some time to yourself. You seem to want benefits either ways or you are holding on very tight to the situations, when at times it’s best to let go and let the events unfold at its own pace, rather than trying to control everything. Your high need of control is the cause of the problem, and it will stress you out unless you don’t agree to let loose and move on. You don’t get both as you will have to choose one thing for your peace of mind, you want to keep your work and continue bombarding yourself with work, but you want a break to sort out family issues too, meaning you are not able to priorities. See what is more important for you the family problem that needs immediate attention or your need to hang on to your love for your work. Choose wisely and pursue what your heart feels is the right thing to do.
