Office Politics

I don't think I get too involved in office politics- I try to be nice to everyone and I work pretty hard. I have my days when buckling down is more difficult than others but all in all I think I'm a good worker and have earned my pay/position.

Having said that I have very little “political pull”. I’m part of 2 departments, one of which is part of 3 that my primary boss is now over (as of last week) and what I do compared to his day-to-day concerns is pretty insignificant.

I understand and I try to keep the big picture in mind by staying out of his hair but it is a delicate matter. So I try to rush through explanations and end up talking more than I would otherwise because I'm trying too hard.

So anyway, I suppose I'm perceived as a "talker"- someone that needs to simplify her point/get to work. Well, my job/my "expertise" is related to details and details often are the places that I need input on or insight... so it is a catch 22.

Having said that, I've decided with a heavy heart not to get involved in the Chili Cookoff this year primarily because there are too many people (if someone has to bow out it might as well be me). We're called to sacrifice right so I suppose I’ll be the first. It is just that I'm afraid that any time I would put into the decorations (my main interest in the Chili Cookoff) might be seen as a waste of time (like I'm not busy enough or focusing on the things I should be). My boss doesn't like the Chili Cookoff and it occurred to me that it might not be a good idea to commit to something that your boss doesn't support.

Still I hate not being involved in things like this. Last year we quickly found a theme and went to work making it work. Everyone contributed and even though we didn't win- it was a great experience.

If you work for my company and you're reading this- please know (and pass one if anyone asks) the reason I'm giving for not participating in the first place is for the most logical reason and the first one I stated- there are too many people on our team. I'm also relaying that I'm just really busy (something I think might not be understood if I were working on the Chili Cookoff stuff- especially to the degree that you know I would because I can't do things 1/2 way).

So now I need to obsess about something new- maybe it will actually be work? AutoEDMS here I come, are you ready for this? Creating forms, implementing procedures, ahhh I can't wait.