Kareer Kandor with Kathy, issue 2

by Kathy Seaton

“Dear Kathy, I love my job, but I work with a gal who constantly throws everyone under the buss. Nobody likes her, but I’m the only one that will stand up to her. Management now sees this as a personal feud that affects our work. How can I get my other coworkers to grow spines and stand up against her too?”

Oh Dear, Greg. That sounds like a cat fight in a rooster coop. From what I can ascertain from your brief question, you seem like you’re dedicated to your job. But is it a good idea to be having such huge turmoil with a colleague? Boss or peer—you gotta steer clear of the chaos. I’m sure you can hold your own with her, but your stand for glory makes you the odd man out. If your team doesn’t have your back, you have nothing. HR kinda frowns upon the outlaw, and right now you’re Billy Clanton, not Doc Holiday, so don’t go wandering into the OK Corral without a plan.

This is what I would do.

Instead of assembling Fox Force Five to stand up against her, take up a civilized conversation with her. If I were you, I would request a formal meeting. Then I would put together a detailed, yet terse, account of your issues and email it to her prior to the face to face meeting. Then she won’t be caught off guard. If you receive a response to your email, respond politely that you can discuss the issues during your meeting.

But you need to be polished in your thoughts, non-accusatory, and willing to play the game. You need this gal on your side, but it’s your job to get her there—not the other way around. Turn the tables man. Be your own Huckleberry. I know you can do it.

If it continues to be a problem, then go to HR. They can intervene and try to create a happy arrangement that accommodates you both. Let me know what happens.

“Dear Kathy, why am I so awesome?”

Thanks for your poignant thoughts Kim. Since you’re so awesome, how ‘bout you write my blog for me? #fullofherself. Moving on.

“Dear Kathy, what happens if I get demoted?”

Andy. That is a scary proposition. I’m sorry that you’re in that space right now. First, be present in your work situation and really evaluate whether you’re in a bad position or if you’re just anxious.

If you really think you might find yourself being offered a demotion or a retirement package, then maybe you need to cozy up to your boss a bit more. Ask him/her for their mentorship—and if you get a positive response, you’re probably ok. If that doesn’t work, talk to your team. Listen to them, and have an authentic discussion. Find out what they think…and what they think about you. Take the critiques to heart and maybe consider implementing changes in your habits. When all else fails, it’s always a good idea to have an updated resume, based on accomplishments, not tasks, along with a kick-ass cover letter.

Don’t let yourself get demoted. Please remember that you do control your own destiny at work. Whether you stay at your current job or not, it’s your call.

“Dear Kathy, I’m an engineer but don’t want to do this anymore. I get paid really well, so if I quit my job and opened an orange stand on the side of the street, could I make the same amount of money if I marketed my stand to the right demographic?”

Craig, seriously, you’re clogging my blog with this?

First of all, I don’t know how much money you make. Second of all, you indicate that you’re an engineer – what does that mean? I just engineered this blog.

Anyway, if this is a real inquiry, I have a few suggestions. #1: Put down the bottle. #2. Ask yourself what your tipping point is. #3 You better get your stuff together and learn about oranges—everything from producing, gathering, and distributing them to your street-side biz. Volume, cost, shipping, everything. #4. Then you need a marketing plan. You need to understand the demo of your area and determine if you can price your oranges at a lower price, and BETTER quality than that of the local chains. If you don’t have the goods, then don’t play the game.

Listen, I believe in you, and you’re not the only one to venture outside of the box. Check this out, you’ll find it fun and interesting.

I’d be happy to help you develop a business plan, ‘cause you need one. Respond back.

Check out Kareer Kandor with Kathy in the next few weeks.