5 Challenges at workplace

According to an article, there are bullies and gossips at your new workplace, just as there probably were at your former school. And the good news is that "the same approaches you took then to overcome those obstacles can still come in handy today."

Here are some of the "common challenges" that we faced during school days and may be facing still at our workplace also:

Challenge No. 1: Bullies exist in the workplace, too. ("Though the actions are subtler, the effect is still the same: frustration and damage to your self-confidence.") Personally, I would include those snobs and bigots who "brow-beat" and also those "smart alecks" who readily pounce on a mistake that others make. We have been branded "stupid", underachievers, weaklings, lame ..... ".

Challenge No. 2: Gossipers have a very good nose for newsy matters and often rake up issues either personally, or through those with that same weakness in their character. In school, we normally would not think they could be that bad. After all, after graduation, most of us would have thought we probably won't meet them again. But, after having read this article, interesting why I did not realise, the gossip monger at my workplace today probably had been the class amateur from another school. Whether these evolve into highly intelligent political beings or vile "mess-comm" professionals, I only wish that my company could rid of these finally.

For my friends who have been unconsciously entangled into those webs that he has been spinning, I wish they would read the next passage.

"Gossiping about co-workers can damage relationships and harm your professional reputation. So try to stay above the fray. Instead of joining a conversation about an inappropriate topic, avoid it by excusing yourself. And if you happen to overhear some "juicy" information, keep it to yourself."

My advice: Don't get played. Seek your develop your own strengths without getting over the backs of some others to gain your altitude in life. To me, there are 2 types of gossipers: those who are weak and those who are wicked. Political animals do have a personal motive or a deep desire to feel belonged. In their everyday conversation, they need to have things to discuss. Policies, People, Practices, Procedures, Personal stuffs of people. They derive satisfaction when people listen or are really affected by what they hear. They get more kicks when people's ears itch for more.

The bible says " Out from the abundance of his heart, the mouth speaks." And so, the chest from a thief will spew out stolen treasures. So, we have to learn to bridle our tongues.

Challenge No. 3: Making friends. Why is it such a challenge, probably greater than that encountered during schooldays? Could it becos as youngsters, we are more "forgiving" as well as more naive? Having been betrayed, finding a trustworthy friend who will stand by me despite all the silly mistakes I have made, and someone's whose friendship is not manipulative is a challenge alright.

Challenge No. 4: Finding a mentor. Mentors are invaluable guides not only at work, but in life as well. Depending on what kind of a mentor you are seeking, he or she must be, first of all, someone you can trust to mould you.

Challenge No. 5: Participating in extracurricular activities. ( I shall cut and paste wholesale the rest of the article here.)

"To balance the time spent in the classroom or at home huddled over a book, you may joined a club, played a sport or participated in a performing art. Keep in mind that maintaining a balance between your personal and professional obligations is still important. Continuously working long hours or taking projects home can cause burnout and lower your satisfaction for your job. "

"Devoting time to outside hobbies or interests can not only prevent this but also enhance your skill set. For instance, doing improvisational comedy on the side can help you think on your feet. And by exploring varied activities, you'll bring unique perspectives and ideas to the workplace. "

"If your workplace begins to remind you of your high school, remember the strategies you used in school to overcome challenges and excel. Chances are the lessons you learned during those four formative years will still serve you well today."