I recently started working for a company based out in India. I was well aware of the working conditions and general nature of peers and employers here because of my past experiences of having studied and worked in India. However, i could not have been more prepared of what would come ahead. The science industry is in itself grueling and rather a grind for most recent graduates and newbies in the professional sphere of working. I remember my mentor and many others talking about a need for an inclusive environment that thrives on a leadership by inspiration model, as opposed to the whip and fear tactic of functioning.
In my first month alone, I understood the true meaning and what differentiates college politics from office politics, let alone the way the mind morphs when subjected to a significant period of time in a repetitive and monotonous working environment. I feared for my minds ability to move dynamically at grasping and conversing with people on different topics and fields, sometimes not being restricted to Science alone. Having acquired experiences in working abroad and in different companies I expected myself to be struck down on my own expectations but instead, I was let loose, to be exhausted slowly and gruelingly as I am brought in line with the rest. The concept of unions and worker rights along with professional ethics and communication seems to have completely eluded my current employers as not only do I have to deal with people that lie and exaggerate but also those that would go out of their ways in the most unethical manner to create conflict and errors in someone else's jobs just to come off clean and better in the eyes of their superiors. After 6 months now on the job, I can tell you that I have learnt the politics but reserve the game only for the big games. But as I write this, I wonder have I misunderstood the timeframe that one must endure to be able to come to terms with his new environment. I guess at a certain point of time, survival instincts kick in at which point past learnings and present circumstances are better understood by your brain. I guess ultimately for you to acclimate into an environment you have to feel an inane sense of, "this bullshit again". I quite frankly believe once your mind has made this phrase, you have ceased to view a circumstance emotionally; instead your mind would proceed more rationally so as to avoid the known results from the past experiences, bringing out a more methodical approach from oneself.
Having enjoyed companies, the role and the drama that comes with the growth ladder in industry for nearly 5 years now, I find myself at odds with myself quite often these days. I recently spoke with my current senior manager over a dispute he faced with a parallel of his over the quality of work being generated from his end but to no fault of his own. His remarks were simple,
"She is right but this is work and I do not let their words affect me, I let my work speak for myself".
I was astonished to this statement of his and I now find myself in appreciation of his commitment, understanding of the industry and his own capabilities. This coming from an individual I was often locking swords with. While my deeper desire is to get back into academic research with an ambition to provide novel results and strategies towards medical treatment upgradations, there is an element of learning that has got me appreciating the cut throat nature of the industry working lifestyle.
Having given you the an insight into a transition I've faced not just between jobs but between roles and perspectives on the job; let me now provide you with a few pointers and notes to carry with you when you start a new role. A checklist to help you settle in smoothly:
- Chemistry of workplace relations: Many a times we feel that the nature of relations at workplace are dominated more by the hierarchy in place. Quite often that isn't the case, especially due to the diverse groups of people you'd meet. You will soon realise that people carry learnings from their experiences and incorporate them in their environment. It is important to ascertain the dynamic between individual employees and peers prior to making a judgement on their relation higher up the ladder. You would find that your manager is more docile and needs a trigger to react as opposed to a colleague who thrives on dominating her environment regardless of having any fruitful opinions or thought to aid the development of your working unit and environment.
- Work friends are not real friends: I have heard this statement a lot and while i agree with elements of this statement, i do not agree to it in its entirety. Work friends can be good friends too but the collateral risks are high. If you are not subjective and/or diplomatic, you would find yourself in a turbulent soup of your own making more often than not.
- Your manager is your best friend: Sure, if you intend on climbing the ladder, your soft skills may come in handy but be careful to not let your desire to climb overcome your self respect. Many employees often feel it normal to rant out problems at work to their manager not realising the reaction from your manager could determine the way your peers and colleagues may treat you.
- Choose your battlefield: Mistakes are common and only human. It is my opinion that owing up to your mistakes is a sign of maturity, elegance and self reflection that can speak volumes about an individual (depending on the frequency and magnitude of the mistakes). However, should a push come to shove, know when to stand your ground and always be prepared for the facts and fiction on the subject that get thrown your way. It is in my sincerest advise to practise your soft skills and communication skills prior to entering any such conflict. A wrong tone or tenor can lead you into more trouble and nobody wants to make too many enemies at work.
- People Pleasing: Accept that you cannot please everyone at work and it is okay. Eventually everyone will understand and respect your stance as long as you do not commit any act with any intent to harm the other persons feelings or status.
- Smart work > Hard work: A topic i have addressed multiple times as a member of multiple working groups. Modern day corporates would much rather have you be a punctual and effective employee rather than one that spends too long on a task. Find the simplest most effective way to complete a task and then work towards evolving the results to greater standards. It is always easier to climb a ladder when the steps are closer together, you just have to find a way to put those steps closer without getting pushed over. Communicate with your task manager prior to undertaking a task so that you are able to attain the desired results quicker rather than doing a back and forth.
- Toxicity gradient: Toxicity within working groups often flow laterally instead of vertically. Vertical pressure is not the only link and cause for increased toxicity but unhealthy communication and competitiveness can be a huge source for toxic workplace environments and i would advice you to communicate this openly and freely in public meetings rather than wait for a private moment to address it as the person at the source may be facing the same elsewhere; merely redirecting it your way too.
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