Dealing with the Different Attitudes at Work

During t last year’s Easter season, Hannah, a Christian working lady in her mid 20’s suggested to her workmates to donate clothes to a near-by orphanage and teenage centre. Every body seemed to like the idea except for one lady who adamantly refused to contribute. “But they don’t have matching shoes so its going to be a waste of my clothes….and duh…I cant give them both clothes and shoes,” responded Vanita when asked to donate to charity. Vanita’s response became a discussion at her workplace. How could she say something so childish and stupid (for lack of a better word)??Her workmates questioned. One of them irritably said that Vanita acted like her shoe size and not her age. At the workplace, you will find nice people and annoying workmates like Vanita or even worse. The difference between high school and work place is almost the same non existent. Just like in high school, you will find work mates that walk in cliques, those that have a gossiping committee, the lazy ones that always ask you to help them with their reports, the selfish and anti-social that only keep to themselves. The focused ones will unquestionably be there and funnily, always small in number. I can’t exactly figure out why though! The Mr. and Miss. Know it alls (if that word exists) who seem and want to be the experts in everything, the sweet ones who seem to have learnt from mother Theresa will also be there. The proud, mean ones who can’t even lend a pen and can even go to the extent of labeling it just so you don’t ‘steal’ it. All these are the different types of workmates you will find in a work environment. You may not be able to change everyone to achieve that ideal work environment. However, one can deal with the different attitudes and enjoy their work. “I do have workmates with funny attitudes. I just make sure I don’t interact with them so closely but am kind enough to offer them a smile and a hello. That has saved me wrangles and bitter relationships with workmates,” says Pamela Gatera, who works at one of the Telecom Service centers. “Lack of teamwork can have an adverse effect on productivity and motivation which can also lead to time consuming grievances, sometimes employees choose to leave. It’s wise not to engage in gossiping and cliques in order to keep a good relationship and be productive,” Teddy Dusabe, MTN. Dusabe adds that it is good to be social but some times it’s wise to keep a distance especially from people who could be in the bosses’ bad books. Remember, great minds think alike, walk alike and hang together the reverse is true! Some times people act the way they do because of certain issues in their lives. Everyone has the ability of having a great personality and attitude at the work place. Take the initiative to interact with that person whose attitude you loathe. You might be surprised at the difference you might make in their lives!!!! m.kaitesi@yahoo.com