Office politics
Feb 14th 2006, 12:21 pm
#1
A former regular of BE
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Carramar, Perth
Posts: 6,241
Office politics
The stereotype of an Aussie is tough, straight-talking, giving everyone a fair go right? Forget it! I can't believe the games grown men are playing at our place. Its like an American teen movie in my office there is so much bitching.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
Feb 14th 2006, 12:42 pm
#2
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 23,400
Re: Office politics
Originally Posted by worzel
The stereotype of an Aussie is tough, straight-talking, giving everyone a fair go right? Forget it! I can't believe the games grown men are playing at our place. Its like an American teen movie in my office there is so much bitching.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
I cant believe it Worzel.
Don't let them get you down, because for someone to say that you have made them look stupid, well I reckon they are for not knowing what they should have done in the first place.
What are you going to do?
Feb 14th 2006, 1:02 pm
#3
Im a woomaaan
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,978
Re: Office politics
Its horrible working in that sort of enviroment, just be careful and watch your back 
Feb 14th 2006, 1:33 pm
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,999
Re: Office politics
Originally Posted by worzel
The stereotype of an Aussie is tough, straight-talking, giving everyone a fair go right? Forget it! I can't believe the games grown men are playing at our place. Its like an American teen movie in my office there is so much bitching.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
Worzel
If you want to impress Aussies the last thing you want to do is what you have done. A better approach is to show them you're just like them - working hard and getting nowhere for it, etc. The one thing an Aussie can't stand is someone who comes into their lives and shows them all what they've been doing wrong. It's called Tall Poppy Syndrome - look it up.
Best wishes
T.
Feb 14th 2006, 1:52 pm
#5
Banned
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Tapping (Perth)
Posts: 2,619
Re: Office politics
The other thing to bear in mind is that this isn't necessarily a "whinging Aussie" thing as you put it.
Every work place has "office politics", insecure people, power structures and power struggles. That's just a "human" thing; doesn't matter whether they are Aussies, Brits, or whatever.
When you start in a new place, it's a good idea to suss out these things first, rather than go in guns blazing.
And most important, try and be friendly, not look like you've come to take over the place.
Gina
Every work place has "office politics", insecure people, power structures and power struggles. That's just a "human" thing; doesn't matter whether they are Aussies, Brits, or whatever.
When you start in a new place, it's a good idea to suss out these things first, rather than go in guns blazing.
And most important, try and be friendly, not look like you've come to take over the place.
Gina
Feb 14th 2006, 1:54 pm
#6
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Location: Alloha snack bar
Posts: 24,246
Re: Office politics
Originally Posted by worzel
The stereotype of an Aussie is tough, straight-talking, giving everyone a fair go right? Forget it! I can't believe the games grown men are playing at our place. Its like an American teen movie in my office there is so much bitching.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
Agree with you about whinging Aussies (no one more whingy basically) & childish unions. It's pathetic to see what's going on on this new railway for instance. Someone really needs to sort those pricks out.
Feb 14th 2006, 2:12 pm
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,999
Re: Office politics
Originally Posted by Amazulu
It's great to see that you are being yourself & not doing anything you can to fit in, ie like being more Aussie than the Aussies, unlike a lot of people on this newsgroup. Stand up for yourself, don't stoop to their level. You can be whatever you want to be in this country, not just a wannabe Aussie.
Agree with you about whinging Aussies (no one more whingy basically) & childish unions. It's pathetic to see what's going on on this new railway for instance. Someone really needs to sort those pricks out.
Agree with you about whinging Aussies (no one more whingy basically) & childish unions. It's pathetic to see what's going on on this new railway for instance. Someone really needs to sort those pricks out.
Feb 14th 2006, 3:17 pm
#8
Blah Blah Blah
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Posts: 885
Re: Office politics
Originally Posted by tableland
Come to think of it I agree. Why make any effort at all to respect the cultural protocols of an adopted land? Just do whatever you want and stuff the traditions and ways of Australia.
Feb 14th 2006, 7:55 pm
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Posts: 16,622
Re: Office politics
Actually, I think tall poppy sydrome is a bit of a myth. It's more applied to macro rather than micro. Loads of people do well and achieve in Australia daily. In my company they are stamping out mediocre attitudes.
As long as you're a 'good bloke', that's the important thing, you can achieve what you like. Same as in most places. If people like you, you'll go far. I'm pretty average in my job but all my bosses tell me they like me. Seems to count for a lot.
The Unions, well now, that's different.
As long as you're a 'good bloke', that's the important thing, you can achieve what you like. Same as in most places. If people like you, you'll go far. I'm pretty average in my job but all my bosses tell me they like me. Seems to count for a lot.
The Unions, well now, that's different.
Feb 14th 2006, 8:02 pm
#10
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Joined: Oct 2004
Location: In our own house! Northern beaches
Posts: 523
Re: Office politics
Originally Posted by worzel
The stereotype of an Aussie is tough, straight-talking, giving everyone a fair go right? Forget it! I can't believe the games grown men are playing at our place. Its like an American teen movie in my office there is so much bitching.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
People are people wherever you are in the world. If you don't like it, go back home, simple. (harsh though, sorry about that!)
Feb 14th 2006, 8:07 pm
#11
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Posts: 16,622
Re: Office politics
Was also going to say that the only 'office culture' I have ever found was in public service jobs where people get promoted by perceived longetivity, hard work etc. This is partly because the skills are less, but the experience and perceived valued added amounts to more. The last time I worked in the public sector was 9 years ago and I hated it because frankly people were plain ignorant - this was in the local job centre in London! 99pc of them were chain smokers, almost seemed on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Quite breathtaking and I was exit stage left after a month in to the private sector.
In my profession, its all skills based and people are happy to earn 6 figure salaries sitting quietly in the corner. You do the work, you get paid, leave the politics to the managers. Most of the companies I've worked in the last 10 years, they work to protect you and motivate you anyhow. I can't even remember the last time I saw any office politics effect staff directly on the floor.
In my profession, its all skills based and people are happy to earn 6 figure salaries sitting quietly in the corner. You do the work, you get paid, leave the politics to the managers. Most of the companies I've worked in the last 10 years, they work to protect you and motivate you anyhow. I can't even remember the last time I saw any office politics effect staff directly on the floor.
Feb 14th 2006, 8:14 pm
#12
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Joined: Feb 2004
Location: Mid West >> UK
Posts: 1,239
Re: Office politics
Originally Posted by hedgehog-girl
NO Aussies aren't like spoilt children, you have just been lucky in your working life that this hasn't happened before. Where did you get your original opinion from?
People are people wherever you are in the world. If you don't like it, go back home, simple. (harsh though, sorry about that!)
People are people wherever you are in the world. If you don't like it, go back home, simple. (harsh though, sorry about that!)
Feb 14th 2006, 10:50 pm
#13
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Location: Alloha snack bar
Posts: 24,246
Re: Office politics
Originally Posted by thatsnotquiteright
In my profession, its all skills based and people are happy to earn 6 figure salaries sitting quietly in the corner. You do the work, you get paid, leave the politics to the managers. Most of the companies I've worked in the last 10 years, they work to protect you and motivate you anyhow. I can't even remember the last time I saw any office politics effect staff directly on the floor.
Feb 14th 2006, 11:24 pm
#14
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Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Posts: 16,622
Re: Office politics
Originally Posted by Amazulu
Well said. I'm a 'knowledge' based contractor. We do our job, get paid good candy, go home. Repeat the next day. Simple as. I have no time for office politics. One of the best things about contracting is that you don't get involved in this shit.
I've done less overtime here than in Europe that's for sure. Alot less.
Feb 14th 2006, 11:55 pm
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Glasgow - Adelaide - Brissie
Posts: 105
Re: Office politics
Originally Posted by worzel
The stereotype of an Aussie is tough, straight-talking, giving everyone a fair go right? Forget it! I can't believe the games grown men are playing at our place. Its like an American teen movie in my office there is so much bitching.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
I came into a new job in a new company in a new country and determined to impress / build a reputation I work hard and have made a real difference. But the blokes I work for are either trying to claim credit for my achievements or are bitching about me behind my back. I think the next two up the line are threatened because I have made them look ineffective.
When I talked to my boss' boss tonight for some advice he implied that by impressing so much I had make him look stupid so I should look elsewhere.
His boss (General Manager, 3 up the line) is South African and thinks I am doing a great job, BTW.
I enjoyed getting that off my chest but mostly I wanted to prepare anyone coming out for what these whinging Aussies are like. You only have to read the paper about the boss vs union stuff going on over here to realise that these Aussies behave like spoilt children.
I gotta laugh tho, his company have a "councillor & massage therapist" free once a week.. I mean how stressed out can you be in bloody Adelaide
Karen