If we have had any type of conversation within the last 2 years, it was probably at some point evident that I have watched far too many episodes of "The Office".
For those of you that have better things to do with your time than binge on Netflix for hours, the above named is a comedy about the daily situations that arise in a mid-sized paper company. One of the main characters, Dwight Schrute, is the epitome of someone that you do not want to work with. He is an irritating, boastful, stubborn, and closed-minded man with no common sense or social skills that is constantly sucking up to the boss, Michael Scott. Essentially, a co-worker's worst nightmare. Unfortunately, I have worked with a few Dwights.
Difficult Dwight stories are all true stories that have happened to me with things such as names and other incriminating details changed. However, none of these are about my current position.
As an entry-level employee at any organization, you are at the bottom of the organizational hierarchy. You have the least experience and are the most easily removed. Because of this, if there is a Dwight in your office, doing anything about it is almost impossible.
From what I understand, most professional environments have a mutual understanding of two topics to avoid in the workplace at all costs: politics and religion. Other than those two things, I think healthy discussion, especially about ways to be more productive and beneficial, are good things to talk about. What I did not expect, however, was to be immediately shot down and repeatedly kicked for my ideas.
I was having a seemingly open-minded discussion with two coworkers, let's name them Polly and Jeffrey, regarding the way that the company hierarchy was set up. Being extremely familiar with this workplace and its history, I mentioned things that I believe were done better in previous years but had been lost during current times. Polly and Jeffrey did not agree. However, instead of simply stating their opinion, they took it personally. The next thing I knew, I was being attacked for my views. Jeffrey got angry, insulted me, and left after slamming the door behind him. Polly continued to yell at me.
This is probably where you're thinking that I am being bias and I must have said something pretty awful to elicit this type of response. I didn't. Even if I had, their behavior has no place in an office.
After a break, I was still extremely upset and unable to calm down. I felt like my physical presence was unwanted and I could see and hear coworkers talking about the spat as the rumors started to spread. I then did what I thought was best, and I sought out my immediate supervisor, Cory. I told Cory about the incident but still felt mortified and bashed, so I couldn't keep my emotions down and was crying. I told Cory that I felt extremely disrespected and that I didn't think there was a place for me in a company where I could be treated that way. Then Cory acted in a way that I hope to never, ever relive.
Cory called Jeffrey over and instead of having us talk, he embraced him in a hug and stood with arms over each other's shoulders while lecturing me about not understanding Jeffrey's personality or sense of humor. My opinion on what happened was not asked. Needless to say, I did not stay at this position for much longer.
This incident happened years ago and I still hear about my previous coworkers getting together for a beer after hours and bashing my opinions, my actions, and me in general. To you, Jeffrey, Cory, and Polly, I say this: thank you for teaching me about the working environment that I now avoid at all costs. Currently, I work in a place where my thoughts and opinions are not only listened to, but asked for.
Even as an entry-level professional, never should a person have to feel so disrespected, demoralized, and disheartened.
Coming soon: Difficult Dwight #2.
Love,
Christine
