Cliques are mainly seen in high school and due to popular belief they usually dissolve after you graduate. In some cases the only thing that changes after high school is that cliques just change environment from high school to the workplace. Another difference between a high school clique and work place clique is age and probably a couple of pounds. Most of these cliques are responsible for the creation of most gossip and dysfunction that happens in the office. Workplace cliques are usually made up of people who share the same ideas and beliefs or you might have that one person who manipulates those who belong to his/her clique to believe what he/she says and like a little Hitler he/she can control the ambiance of the workplace and those around him/her. This little Hitler can manipulate anyone and most of the time he/she has the most control of the boss. Most cliques at work don't take well to newcomers and usually shun those who have their own opinions. A non-conformist in this type of environment can be shunned and even put in bad graces with the boss. This can make life hell for the rest of the office. These cliques can be vicious and make those around them feel worthless and very uncomfortable. These groups of individuals in the workplace are not conducive to a good working environment nor are they healthy to be apart of. As a professional it is highly recommended you DO NOT partake in these cliques. There are professional ways of acting in the office that are both productive and healthy for others you work with.
Now I know most of us have dealt with this problem at some time in our careers. What can one do in this case? Well, this is where office politics come into play. You cannot fight off these people all on your own. You need to strategically play your cards well. Limit your interaction with these cliques. Only discuss things pertaining to work issues. The least you interact with the members of your workplace clique the better, that way you are neutral and don't confront any gossip or be involved in their issues. Workplace cliques enjoy feeding off of your personal problems and your problems and issues are a nutrient to ensure their survival in your office. The least you disclose about what happens in your life the better.
Working with these types of cliques can be very difficult and at times exhausting. Always remember to surround yourself with great energy at work and never allow your beliefs or opinions to be discarded by people who don't have a spine and go with what the office Hitler thinks. You are a person who counts and no one should ever make anyone in the office feel like they are not part of the inner circle because you have chosen not to be part of their clique. Regardless of what you do..... empower people, smile, and the most important attribute you can have is self confidence and maintaining your own identity as a person. Maintaining your own identity and not partaking in these workplace cliques is one of the most professional things anyone can do. Blessings!
Two discussion points:1. Is there a difference in the behavior of men and women in the role as workplace bully? 2. There is usually a counter personality to the office "meany" - a peacemaker or individualist that counters the force of the "clique". Sadly, with people who do bad things, the more they do bad acts the more they desire to do more and sometimes their behavior escalates.
ReplyDeleteThere is a difference with behavior between women and men. There are few men who partake in cliques in the workplace. Although once in a while you will encounter some men who enjoy gossip and enjoy creating it. Most of the time you will see women playing the part of the bully.
ReplyDeleteOn the second point there is a workplace peacemaker and individualist but those are usually the ones that counter the clique and at times this person is made to look like the bad person in the office. In this case the power of one is look down upon especially when the clique is in good standings with the boss.
I agree with you that their behavior escalates and sometimes you wonder how it's possible that these people get away with what they do. It's amazing!
I'll admit I'm a little Hitler and I have my clique, it's my way or the highway muahahahaha, ok I'm kidding, I def agree w u
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