| My boss took me and my team out when there was a bit of ill-feeling brewing for reasons I can't remember. He bought everyone a few drinks, and asked what everyone's problems were. The issues came tumbling out with frankness. I kept my mouth shut, but generally agreed with the team. My boss, without warning, pointed to me and said basically "austinjp will take a note of all this and sort it all out" then left. I had no budget, no control over any of the issues, no authority outside my team, no time... nothing. It was made clear to me that there would be no support in any way. I was young(er) and tried my best but it was a shitshow. I have never felt more exposed and thrown under the bus. A couple of similar situations were enough to grind down my resolve and I became as disillusioned as everyone else. When the inevitable redundancy was offered I took it and left without hesitation. Still bemused by how absolutely amateurish and vindictive the situation became. So I didn't "overcome" it, clearly, but it helped me realise a few things. Firstly, that nobody has any idea what's going on in anyone else's head. God knows what my then-boss thought of me, but it clearly wasn't much, and it clearly didn't match how I thought I was perceived. Secondly, once things are toxic it's almost impossible to turn things around. A couple of other people at the same place acted very poorly too, around the same time. Looking back, maybe I should have just quit. But it wasn't easy to see the wood for the trees. Third, stick up for yourself and for others. Don't be an arsehole. Everyone's dealing with their own demons and people in authority should constantly try to remind themselves of this. Support each other and grow together. Fortunately most people aren't arseholes, even if some occasionally act like they are. I haven't always got those elements right, but at least I'm aware of them. So I guess what I overcame to a small degree was my own professional shortsightedness! :) |