Whatts workplace drama costing you?

f nsr NIcsr. I heard someone on television say that there is something in the air that l-ljust does not feel right or good. It is almost like we are waiting for something bad to happen. Are we really all in such a lousy mood?

Have you noticed how stressed and bumed out people seem to be? Not only do we have to contend with customers who have shorter fuses than in the past and who go off the handle at the slightest thing, but internally where people issues seem to be on the increase, the level of bickering and in-fighting also seems on the increase.

It is clear that with the housing market as it has been for three or more years nowcompany cutbacks, stagnant pay, staff reductions including total divisional and company closedowns-that there is a sense of fear that creates an atmosphere of distrust in many organizations. Those lucky to be left in a job are covering the work of lost colleagues, mistakes happen, tension builds, the finger pointing increases and people start passing the buck. As pressure and tensions increase, so does the drama in the workplace. People are just worried.

Of course, it does not take any of the above to create a hostile working place. There are people who can create drama any time of the day. There always seems to be a queen or king bee who is planning unrest, hiding something, not talking this week, creating issues for other employees, or working deviously and politically to create division. They are the ones who we all seem to tip-toe around so that they can manage their kingdom.

I have seen drama created by bosses who humiliate their staff in front of others. I have worked for companies where change was fought tooth and nail by entrenched staffers pitting one side against the other. And don't you just love those meetings where everything is taken personally, where you can cut the air with a knife, where there are clear power struggles marked by complaining and whining. And yet management does not do anything about it, as often the manager is just too scared to.

Now for sure, there will always be some drama-it is part and parcel of the workplace environment, and it is just as likely to happen at the management level as at the staff level. But when drama takes the place of work, energy and focus are lost. Productivity takes a swallow dive, customers get lost, and it just feels downright uncomfortable to work in that environment.

I have worked in companies where power and political struggles were the norm and it was just mentally draining. It is estimated that drama costs the U.S. economy over $3 billion a year in lost productivity. But when you look at it on a personal level, it could be costing you a pay increase, a promotion, and, more importantly, your health, happiness and well being.

While unpleasant to deal with, not only do you have to recognize the drama, but you have to either take yourself out of it, or jump in with two feet and try to solve the issue. Workplace conflict resolution is not easy. I have had to deal with it many times and it should not be personal. There is normally a clear black or white. Even with shades of gray, there are ways to handle it! The important point is to remain fair and non- political. But leaving the issue to fester only fuels the gossip mongers, increases the level of complaints internally (and maybe externally), creates low morale, and opens up power struggles. More importantly, it takes precious time and resources away from doing what everyone needs to be doing-focusing on growing the business. I have also learned to get rid of those who are pennanently in the middle of it-manager or employee.

We have too much too worry about these davs. None of us should walk on egg shells every work day. Our companies deserve better, and so do we. I recently heard a saying that Europeans work to live, while Americans live to work. If we do in fact live to work, let's make those days fun again and enjoy the major part of our day.

Alan Oakes, Publisher ajoakes@aol.com

www. bu ilding-products.com

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