Did you know . . . People Don't Have to Like Each Other at Work?

But they do have to pretend to like each other, and here's the story why.

I watched a comedian arguing his point that life would be easier if he could just write "I'm stupid" on his forehead. He reasoned that it "would take all the pressure off." Nobody would bother you for anything after meeting you. Makes a lot of sense. I thought about trying it.

The same holds true for my point today. Everybody struggles with getting people to like each other, to work together, teamwork, conflict resolution, motivation, and more. What if I told you people don't actually have to like each other at work, but they do have to "act as if," to pretend to like each other. Surprised? You have to agree, that takes a lot of pressure off everybody!

"Joe, you no longer have to like Susan, but you do have to act "as if," - to pretend to like her. There now, isn't that simple?" Whew! And Joe sighs relieved knowing he can harbour whatever feelings he wants, and he doesn't have to change his emotions one bit! Takes the pressure right off.

No I'm not being silly, and of course we all wish everyone liked everybody else, but that's not always the way it is in the workplace. People don't have to like each other at work, but they do have pretend to like each other. A big difference, and here's the logic.

* When employees don't "like" each other cooperation and communication stop and productivity slows down.

* Slowing productivity is insubordination.

* Insubordination is anything which obstructs the work mission.

* Obstructing the work is cause for dismissal.

* So not liking a fellow team member, can be the first step towards dismissal for cause. It seems you do have to pretend to like other people. You don't have to like it, but you have to "act as if" or suffer the consequences.

When I tell employees this story they always understand my point. It has a profound and immediate effect. I'm the first manager that ever told them to get their head around the idea that being friendly and getting along with other people is a requirement. And what's more, they suspect I can probably make it stick.

Being able to tell people they don't have to like each other, sure takes a lot of the pressure off.

See you for breakfast!
Wolfgang

a.) Sept. 15th is booking now. Ask about seats. Subject is "I love my job. I hate you." Building a jerk free workplace and blowing up bad management ideas. / Attend: All levels. / Let us know how many seats you would like.

b.) Shopping on Robson. I concluded there are two kinds of people in the world. Those who own a full length mirror and those who don't.

c.) Do you think people need the right tools and equipment at work? I don't think so. Watch my newsletter and I'll tell you why.

d.) You think communication is important? I don't think so. Watch my newsletter and I'll (eventually) tell you why it has a negative impact on workflow.

e.) Before you fire someone, - see your lawyer!

f.) Still having trouble with the concept? No I'm not being duplicitous. Hindering workflow, even if you use something as subtle as social distance, is insubordination because it keeps the company from functioning effectively.