Changing malevolent corporate culture arduous
DEAR J.T. & DALE: I’m a manager at a company that was acquired by a large corporation out of state. We have a lot of turnover, and most of the openings have not been filled, so individuals perform two to three jobs. It has gotten so bad that we had a colleague commit suicide. We don’t have any HR presence — they’re only at the corporate office. I would like to leave, but I never have time; my boss gives me no freedom and harangues me constantly. Plus, I don’t want to abandon
my employees. Is it possible to change a corporate culture? It is becoming impossible to “grin and bear it” and try to remain positive. — Danielle
Dale: Sure, it’s possible to change a corporate culture, but that’s only if you have some freedom of influence. If you’re barely hanging on, just grinning and bearing it, you don’t have many options except the bleakest one: grinning bigger. And all that accomplishes is contributing to the survival of a malevolent culture.
J.T.: So focus on what you can control. For starters, you need to document everything. The sooner you keep track of this behavior, the better. Next, you need to contact HR at the corporate level and let them know the severity of the situation. You need to go on record that this is happening.
Dale: Do that out of some sense of obligation, if you must, but I wouldn’t expect anything good to come of it. Well, you might get fired, which will end up being, when you look back on it, “the best thing that ever happened.” But if the culture is this bad, then the HR department is an accomplice, not a solution.
J.T.: I do think it’s important to take a stand, but, at the same time, I urge you to start looking for a new job. I know you don’t want to leave your team high and dry, but you need to show them that they don’t need to stay. Plus, you may go to a new company where you can hire some of them. At the least, you’ll be able to give them good recommendations. I also would let them all know, confidentially, that you will act as a reference if they have an opportunity to move on.
Dale: Now you’re talking. It is going to require tremendous internal resolve to find a better job; after all, the worse the boss, the harder it is to leave. (Those with lousy bosses have low workplace self-esteem and little freedom.) While you told us you don’t have the time for a job search, you have to find a way. Find a spot where you can go during lunch and make your inquiries. Contact former colleagues and ask for introductions. Take the occasional vacation day for interviewing. Eventually you will lead your team by showing them the path out the door.
Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently graduated from college. I met with the father of a friend, who works in a great company. He offered to make introductions, but I never took him
up on the offer because I felt I should do it myself. Unfortunately, I’ve applied twice and heard nothing. Do you think it’s too late to go back and ask for the introduction? — Danilo
J.T.: Given that you are a recent graduate and new to the ways of networking, I think he will understand. Just say: “I never asked for the introduction because I didn’t want to impose, but I’ve researched your company and I really want to work for it. I was wondering if I could still take you up on your offer? I know there are no guarantees and I will have to earn the position. However, I’ve since come to understand how difficult it is to gain an introduction like the one you offered. So I’d be truly grateful for the introduction.”
Dale: Absolutely. There’s no reason to hesitate. Speaking as a father who’s met with the sons and daughters of many friends, it’s a joy when you can be of help. Doing so makes you feel like a true friend, and that’s its own reward.
Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a professional development specialist and the founder of the consulting firm jtodonnell. Dale Dauten resolves employment and other business disputes as a mediator with AgreementHouse.com. Please visit them at jtanddale. com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.