157. Head Held High

Two colleagues are talking in office. One of them is attending the Office Dynamics course. He had presented the other one’s problems – with due permission – as a case study and is now explaining the suggestions and solutions offered by the other classmates.

A: Come again!

B: Nobody thinks you stand a chance against this team leader.

A: Nobody?

B: Almost. Except two people who did not seem interested in the matter.

A: So what am I supposed to do?

B (consulting notes): Most of my classmates suggested that you should keep a low profile for six to eight months. By then the team leader will either forget about you or will not think of you as a problem.

A: And what happens to my promotions and appraisals if I sit quiet for six months?

B: My classmates are of the opinion that it is more important to save yourself from this vindictive and aggressive team leader than to get a promotion. And everybody has also said that you should forget about that girl. Nobody thinks it is a good idea to nurture a crush on your team leader’s girlfriend, especially when he is the way he is.

A: Nobody wants me to at least talk to her once?

B: Nobody. Including even those uninterested two students.

A: So, people are basically asking me to hide under the table.

B: Some also suggested that you change the job.

A: Isn’t that running away?

B: It might sound like that, yes. So your options are hiding or running away. But the second one is slightly better because in that case you can walk away with your head held high.

A: I want to talk to her once.

B: Don’t.

A (after a very long time): What is your suggestion? Your personal suggestion?

B (in a low voice): Change the job. You can do nothing here with that guy around.

A: You want me to resign?

B: No. Never. But that is probably going to be the best thing for you. You can save your pride.

A: I need to think about this.

B: Yes, please do. But do not talk to a lot of people about it. Then they will start saying how you are running away. Tell them on the last day that you have got a better offer.

A: Hmm.