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Job one in a corporate hierarchy is to keep the boss happy. If you are performing the tasks adequately and meeting your targets, just say enough to keep the boss smiling. Say little, but when you do open your mouth, agree with the boss!
My approach to life and work generally is quite Zen. I'm quite chilled and easy going. This also means I don't really get angry much, and I'm quite conflict avoidant.
It’s a matter of channeling one’s anger appropriately as well as communication/problem-solving vs. avoiding conflict/anger altogether. Bottom line, everyone gets angry sometimes; what’s important is having a handle on what (or who) makes you angry and how you deal with it. In fact, how one manages conflict in the workplace is a common topic.
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Originally Posted by MarkWalton31
The only issue is that I'm usually expected to give feedback in meetings with my manager and team meetings.
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Originally Posted by MarkWalton31
Would it be OK to admit I'm just easy going?
There’s a difference between an easy-going personality vs. one who doesn’t contribute/communicate/offer feedback relative to a professional environment - or within the context of a personal relationship as well, for that matter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkWalton31
The truth is I generally just don't care, if I did, I'd speak my mind like others.
If you don’t care, perhaps it’s time to look for a new job you enjoy (or at least one in which you are motivated to participate). That said, maybe you care more than you’re willing to admit if you’ve started a thread relative to such.
I have a comfortable office job here in America...I do it well and meet the targets...The only issue is that I'm usually expected to give feedback in meetings with my manager and team meetings...I don't have any, but I don't think I'll be able to keep saying that...the manager is always going on about how we can work towards promotions and develop, but I'm actually happy in the current job...Is there any way to get around that?
Welcome to the new workplace culture, where everyone is expected if not required to be a cheerleader and eager beaver and go-getter and that matters more than "just" doing your job competently.
I would try to come up with a little something that might satisfy your boss, however lame. You'll be viewed as a misfit and "not a team player," otherwise. There's no guarantee that will satisfy him/her, though, as there seems to be no limit to this nonsense.
The only issue is that I'm usually expected to give feedback in meetings with my manager and team meetings. Previously I've said I don't have any, but I don't think I'll be able to keep saying that. The truth is I generally just don't care, if I did, I'd speak my mind like others. Would it be OK to admit I'm just easy going? MIght not been seen favourably in a corporate environment haha. Also the manager is always going on about how we can work towards promotions and develop, but I'm actually happy in the current job and happy to not be too ambitious at the moment, but I feel I can't be honest about that. Is there any way to get around that and be honest?
You need to give some actual input from time to time or else you'll come across as difficult to work with, disengaged, in need of training, or even possibly laid off or fired in the future. Being easy going doesn't mean that you don't have an opinion. It doesn't mean that you don't have anything to say.
Change professions. Consider working stocking shelves in the overnight shift at a grocery store or a landscaping company, where you can practice being very Zen without putting in any effort or communicating with others. I don't suggest this lightly, because with your attitude you wouldn't do well in my group or in other office jobs. There is an expectation for people to give feedback because this is what you are being paid for. You see problems and say or do nothing about them, it can cost the company greatly and depending on the profession it can cost people their health and safety. As a manager, if you told me what you just said here, I would be looking to let you go because you are not compatible with what is required on the job.
Or this is a work of fiction for a novel from a new poster and this is your way to get feedback on the fictional character you created. In that case, your character is going to get fired when it hits the fan because they did and said nothing to prevent it.
I have a comfortable office job here in America, where everyone is usually left to their own devices, and you don't have to interact with that many people if you choose not to. My approach to life and work generally is quite Zen. I'm quite chilled and easy going. This also means I don't really get angry much, and I'm quite conflict avoidant. I also don't have much feedback or ideas to give about other colleagues, my team or work processes etc. Whereas other people are the complete opposite. The actual job is fine though, and I do it well and meet the targets
The only issue is that I'm usually expected to give feedback in meetings with my manager and team meetings. Previously I've said I don't have any, but I don't think I'll be able to keep saying that. The truth is I generally just don't care, if I did, I'd speak my mind like others. Would it be OK to admit I'm just easy going? MIght not been seen favourably in a corporate environment haha. Also the manager is always going on about how we can work towards promotions and develop, but I'm actually happy in the current job and happy to not be too ambitious at the moment, but I feel I can't be honest about that. Is there any way to get around that and be honest?
Thanks
If you just don’t care, they will eventually replace you with someone who seems to. You don’t have to care, but you should act like you do.
You don't have to want to climb the corporate ladder or chase promotions, but you generally have to look somewhat engaged and interested in your work, even if you are hitting the targets and getting done what you need to do. Try to come up with something to say in meetings, surely you have to have some ideas about how things are going. You have to play the game a bit, even if you don't care, you shouldn't come across as someone who doesn't care.
How hard is it to stay engaged in a discussion, and find at least one or two things to comment on. I had an old colleague who used to say "That is a great idea, I wish we'd thought of it earlier, I'm 100% on board" at every meeting. Everyone thought he was great, but he was just parroting the same thing each time. I don't recommend that, but it's an anecdote.
My advice: Stay engaged (at least somewhat), figure out what is important to your company, and make as much effort to support and DO those things. Be present, be visible, but most importantly, be sincere.
If you really don't care, to the point that you can't do the above, it's time for a career change.
(I'm a manager, I've been at the same company over 20 years and continue to be promoted, even though I'd prefer not to be. I sometimes don't care, but I DO CARE about doing my best, and that shows, and is what really motivates me.)
It is OK if your boss thinks it is OK. It is not OK if your boss expects you to participate. Seriously, how difficult is it to say something occasionally?
Being easy going doesn't mean that you don't have an opinion. It doesn't mean that you don't have anything to say.
Yep. There’s a huge difference between an easy-going personality vs. disengagement or professional incompetence.
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Originally Posted by Myghost
I'm a manager, I've been at the same company over 20 years and continue to be promoted, even though I'd prefer not to be. I sometimes don't care, but I DO CARE about doing my best, and that shows, and is what really motivates me.
I’m curious; twenty years of promotions - and you’re only a manager? If it’s by choice, it’s cool; but it is unusual to stay in one place for so long i.e. I’d consider it to be a bit passive in and of itself, per the thread.
As long as you don't care if you 'get anywhere' in this company or don't mind getting laid off or reassigned to a broom closet somewhere in favor of someone who shows a pinch of enthusiasm, then keep doing what you're doing.
Your "Zen" sounds like laziness and disinterest to me.
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