The gossip and snarky comments that were omnipresent in graduate school only get worse the longer you are in academics. It's exhausting trying to stay neutral when everyone is trying to drag you to their side.
Is there a delicate way to remove oneself from work politics?
14 comments:
when you find that, let me know.
I've tried really hard to stay away from it at my new job. I was OK until last week when three people cornered me at different times and told me things about others... cheating people, people who want someone fired and of course, one who wants another job.
splendid.
What I did? Smiled and made noncomittal noices... it might not have worked as well as I wanted...
That's so true, not only among grad students but lab is the worse. I try my best to stay out of the drama but people seem to think I'm Dr. Phil.
My solution: smile and tell them to take sometime to think about it.
The short answer is no.
Just check out the blogging "community".
I guess not.
I am a month into my new job and I am already worn out dodging the office gossips.
Delicate way? Unlikely, particularly since scientists are not known for picking up on a subtle social hint.
I have no idea if "I'm not in a position of power where I can help you win that battle" is appropriate with your colleagues or not, but the only way to avoid true gossip is to yawn to show it bores you.
Is there a delicate way to remove oneself from work politics?
It's impossible to disentangle oneself from work politics completely because it impacts you, even if you choose not to engage in gossip.
Pay no attention whatsoever. Go out for a drink with significant other. Hide in your office.
When people are tyring to drag you in, sometimes you can tell them, non-delicately, "You need to talk to someone else, not me." Or, "I'm not available to talk about this." Or, "I really don't have an opinion." "Sorry, I can't help!" Many times it's easier just to be too busy, or have something you have to immediately go check on.
I know all about gossip in the lab. Sadly, I'm one of those who love some good gossip.
Mh... good luck with that. The trick is that the line seems to be fine between idle, mean gossip and politics that is actually of some use to know because in some cases that is how things are happening. But in most cases, it's probably best to go "talk to the hand" (or use Silver Fox's suggestions)...
Just stay out of departmental drama. It is not worth it. Especially if you do not have tenure. The politics of some departments are very dynamic in the sense that allies will become enemies vice versa.
All good comments. The only thing I can think of adding is that it may help to find out who your true supporters are and allign yourself with them. It may discourage others from gossiping with you.
Yeah... what Silver Fox says is the ideal. In my experience, telling people to "talk to the hand" because I don't agree with gossiping just made them start rumors that I was a frigid, stuck-up bitch, which ultimately hurt my career just as much as it would have hurt my conscience to participate in the gossip. It's a lose-lose proposition, I think.
In imaginary land, we can all hope to find a collegial atmosphere where people do their jobs and don't gossip like teenager clique members. I don't think that place exists in academia, though.
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!
I realized my solution is fast approaching: spring break!!
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