George of the jungle and Jane of the manor!
`AFTER having put in considerable number of years with a particular organisation, one fine day I discovered a change was in order. Not that I was unhappy at my current job but that I needed a change from the routine and more interesting challenges to keep me at the cutting edge. In short, I wanted to move ahead in my career. Soon enough, I got an offer that I couldn't refuse. The post looked good, the company was doing well and the pay was attractive.
In time, I started working with the new organisation and got a rude shock. It proved to be disastrous from day two! Everything was different, the work culture, the people, the attitudes and the work. It was bad enough trying to get accustomed to a new environment, I also discovered, at the end of the first week, that I seemed to be rubbing my boss the wrong way. Every time If this excerpt from a veteran's journal gives you a sense of déjà vu, then read on to discover more common threads.
Day 3
An employee's `end-of-tether' musings: This is so embarrassing! The boss is much younger and I've got to report to HIM. My biggest worry at the moment - what and how do I address him? I can't call him `Sir,' and Mr. Rathore is too formal. And it may be considered rude to call him by his first name.
Later, beginnings of a workable solution: Think it's better to ask the boss how he would like to be addressed. He probably must be in a fix himself on how to address me!
Day 10
An employee's en-of-tether musings: A misunderstanding with the boss. Thinks he knows it all. But he's actually younger than me and less experienced. I do believe he should be a lot more unassuming and less haughty about what he knows and doesn't know!
Beginnings of a workable solution: Its inevitable. Both, he and I should work to meet each other half way if we are to work together professionally. Each must be open and receptive to the other's ideas and opinions.
Day 30
An employee's end-of-tether musings: Again! I'm storming out of this place. Nobody knows what's happening and He (the boss) doesn't either! Why can't they just have a process in place for everything?
Later, beginnings of a workable solution: They actually do have a process in place. It's just that, the indecisiveness and the occasional too hasty decision- making drives me up the wall. Probably, being so inexperienced, Rathore finds it tough to manage his dual responsibilities - of looking important and commanding respect, and of actually trying to be the brighter one who can create executable plans. Feel sympathetic, think I should help him find his moorings and put him at ease!
Day 35
An employee's end-of-tether musings: What's new? Rathore's again given me an assignment with no resource guides to help me. I can't go and beg him to give me some leads. He believes I'm old and experienced enough to be able to do it on my own. But I'm clueless!
Later, beginnings of a workable solution: Oh ok. I'm not infallible. My ego is not the issue here. I guess to get the job done, I must seek his assistance. It's best to be honest about it. I'll confess that I need help to get the hang of this project.
Day 50
An employee's end-of-tether musings: Ha ha ! Enjoyed a secret moment of sheer mirth when The Rat borrowed the copy of the manual that I had perfected by now. Could see him hurriedly preparing to face the question and answer session with the press.
Later, beginnings of a workable solution: Hey! I think I should give him a break.
He's human and young after all. And he's just learning the ropes. So we're equal on that score.
Day 65
An employee's end-of-tether musings: So, the team misses the deadline, but whom does The Rat think he is to pull me up in front of the team?
Doesn't he realise that I'm the senior most member here?
Later, beginnings of a workable solution: If this continues, my stand with the team will be jeopardised. I'll be forced to discuss the matter with other powers that be. But first, I must have a word with him in private. He must learn something about corporate etiquette and diversity management. Hope I put it in a nice way and that he takes the hint!
Day 70
An employee's end-of-tether musings: Why can't he loosen up a little? All that power has given him a swollen head! The Rat is sometimes so uptight that he'll burst a blood vessel soon! He keeps reminding me that I report to him and can I please remember that?
Later, beginnings of a workable solution: ... ..May be, just may be I've gone overboard in my enthusiasm of handling the project. He's right anyway, I do report to him. Even though I'm managing the project, he's got the final say. I can try and be graceful about the whole thing. It's ok to give him some leeway! Perhaps he's got some bright workable ideas too.
Day 95
An employee's end-of-tether musings: If I were the boss, I'd have just given the team a day off! Groan... these youngsters, how do they manage to whip up so much energy after an exhausting workday? Unwind with a team dinner to celebrate the completion of the project and then shake a leg at a disco? Out of the question. Doesn't Boss realise I might not like the idea?
Later, beginnings of a workable solution: One of my middle-aged colleagues who is privy to my lamentations believes I'm certainly heading down the hill. That really woke me up. Have I lost the zest for living? Or am I just sinking into my age-induced comfort zone? May be I'll just have something non-fattening to eat and try to enjoy some loud music at the disco. After all my entire team is younger than me and Rathore was right, can't deny them their right to live it up.
Day 150
An employee's end-of-tether musings: Do I remind The Rat of his dotty old grandmother? ! I'm beginning to believe so. He insists on being over courteous. He tries to guide me through every step of the project. Doesn't he know I can find my way around...
Later, beginnings of a workable solution: Well, guess I asked for it. I did insist, during the first project, that I needed help every inch of the way. But I've got the hang of it now. Think he should recognise the difference. Will tell him that I can handle the project on my own, at the next opportune moment. Besides he can call me Ravi and not a pompous Mr. Krishnamoorty.
6 months later... Last heard Ravi and Rathore were seen laughing heartily over lunch at a nearby restaurant apparently sharing notes on what they had thought of each other initially and how they could now collaborate to work successfully on their 4th project.
SAMYUKTA KODA
samyukta.hyd@cnkonline.com
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