Does it pay to be manipulative and underhand in the modern workplace

amadangomor

I always had the attitude that I let my work do the talking. Have got a bit smarter in terms of self promotion but still like to be modest as that's just me.

However it seems the people in my company that get on the best in terms of reputation and earnings are the ones who are fake and build themselves up as brilliant when in the reality is that a lot of them are far from it.

One example is where we often get extra requests from the very top and these people are doing less so have the opportunity to pounce on these requests and get them done. Often this work may be small in terms of volume but important to top management so they get lots of credit.

Even one colleague who would be manipulative in terms of coming up with excuses to take this type of work from me. I know I am being manipulated but just go along with it. They are actually very strong in some areas so don't need to be stealing all the glory.

So does it pay to be a sneak and manipulative in the modern work environment?

mulligja

Sure. You just have to accept that while you'll be successful in the company, a lot of people there will silently hate your guts.

GrumPy

In my experience, the perception of value almost always trumps actual value.
It's infuriating at times, but if ye can't beat em' join em'.

Bobtheman

Teaching used to be very collegial. Then some bright spark decided to have open competition for posts that largely only pay 4k before tax. Instead of seniority. Now colleagues are backstabbing left right and centre. The amount of bull**** they generate is incredible. Teachers who are effective teachers sometimes don't get these posts because they didn't run yoga week etc

amadangomor

GrumPy wrote: »

In my experience, the perception of value almost always trumps actual value.
It's infuriating at times, but if ye can't beat em' join em'.

Yep. It's all a game. I know that but don't like playing it as it goes against my strengths of being a brilliant team player.

That does rub off on others, that's what motivates me, being able to create a good team spirit. When I was off earlier in the year my immediate team had reverted to working separately in parallel which is ridiculous as it's far more efficient to co operate. Took me a few weeks to get the team thing back in operation.

Will definitely try and promote myself better and be more competitive in fighting for those jobs that are deemed important to management.

amadangomor

Bobtheman wrote: »

Teaching used to be very collegial. Then some bright spark decided to have open competition for posts that largely only pay 4k before tax. Instead of seniority. Now colleagues are backstabbing left right and centre. The amount of bull**** they generate is incredible. Teachers who are effective teachers sometimes don't get these posts because they didn't run yoga week etc

As I work for an American company think that competitive culture is promoted, pitting people against each other and he who shouts I'm the greatest the most is deemed to be the greatest. New Irish manager is a lot more down to earth and approachable so hopefully the culture changes.

brightspark

I almost lost a job because of a new hire gaslighting me, so yes it possibly does pay.

It didn't in my case however, mainly because he was too lazy to do the hours, if he had he might have outlasted me there.

But for any company owners looking on, if you do allow it to happen expect the real talent to eventually leave.

olearydc

Hi

I had to look up that word - -gaslighting
Jess what a ugly thing to have happened

KaneToad

Yep. Those that get on are those who come in and cosy up to the decision makers. I suppose it's a skill in itself. The problem is that the best people don't make it to the top.

OMM 0000

Ask yourself what would Obama do and say, and do that.

Basically it's be a scumbag with a smile. It works.

You gotta live with yourself though.

I think a better option is to just make friends with the people with power and play the politics game.

sheepsh4gger

GrumPy wrote: »

In my experience, the perception of value almost always trumps actual value.
It's infuriating at times, but if ye can't beat em' join em'.

True.


Some random thoughts on this:



Nobody values anything unless they suffer a price. If you give something for free then they will assume it's worth nothing.



And it doesn't matter that you wrote a script that does all of your work, they will just give you more. What matters is who looks busy, if you found an efficient way to do your work they will just think you're lazy.


It's really just a kabuki theater of perceptions, appearances.