Inspired by Hate - Workology

Inspired by Hate - Workology Hatefulness and unprofessionalism. Hatefulness Unprofessionalism Those are hardly inspirational words, but they inspired this post. Recently, I concluded a workplace investigation that despite all the discriminatory allegations, counter claims, and retaliation complaints thrown around, what it boiled down to was there was a lot of hatefulness (feelings) and oodles of unprofessionalism (behavior). Hatefulness and unprofessionalism. They have no place in a workplace yet they are everywhere! Whether they are blatantly standing in the hallways or silently lurking in the break rooms, hatefulness and unprofessionalism  are there.   Whether we wear them as royal garments or protective armor, we often  sport  our unique fashions of hatefulness and unprofessionalism. Whether they are in the spotlights or simply clandestine whispers in the ear of employees, hatefulness and unprofessionalism  make their way into our communication, our interaction with others and our work. Id be lying if I told you I  havent hated.  Ive hated a boss, Ive hated a coworker, Ive even hated some customers.  But heres the thing, I rarely allowed  my feelings to affect my behavior. Why? My mother taught me not to. My boss gave me clear  expectations  about my behavior. I did not want to get in trouble. I wanted to  be perceived as professional. I was confident  enough in my own skin to take the higher ground. Does it really matter? Why make it so damned complicated?  Isnt it enough that I  simply  didnt allow my feelings to affect my behavior? We do not have  the right to behave  unprofessionally simply because we dont like, STRONGLY dislike, or hate another human being. While at work, we are expected to effectively and consistently communicate with our customers, colleagues, bosses and anyone else who is involved in our work. While at work, we are expected to work WITH others.   Whether it be on a project, activity, or simply within a close physical proximity, our efficient and productive interaction with others is required. While at work, we are should focus our minds, bodies and efforts on work.   We wouldnt spend 1/4 of our time conducting personal business from the break room or spend 1/2 of our time practicing for our next music audition while at work, so why would we  spend a preponderance of our time perseverating about how much we dont like someone? Why would we spend hours  thinking about how we can get someone else  in trouble or encouraging or persuading others to turn against someone?   Its ludicrous we have no right to waste our employers resources! While at work, we must comply with our employers rules and policies.   Whether we like it or not, we are bound by a duty of loyalty to our employer. Dont want to be bound? No problemresign! Yes, its that simple! Most companies have a rule, policy or standard for work behavior and therefore, we must comply with it!   (And dont try pointing your finger at the other guy.   Clean out your own closet before you start cleaning out his!) What it comes down to is this: while at work, we are paid to work.     If we are spending time talking about but not talking with the person we hate, we are not earning our keep. If we are spending time avoiding, interfering or otherwise sabotaging the person we hate, we are proving ourselves UNworthy of continued employment. If we are spending energy identifying workarounds, switching shifts or projects to avoid the person, requiring others to mediate or referee our interactions with those we hate, we are proving  we arent mature enough to handle  our jobs. If we decide that our ego and pride give us freedom to break the rules and otherwise ignore our duty of loyalty to our employer,  we should be prepared for our employer to severe the relationship. Haters gonna hateyeah, I get it. But unprofessionalismthats gotta go.