One of the "pleasures" in being a technical resource in
a sales organization is that my work product and time are highly valued
resources. In every organization where I've been employed, the sales staff far
outnumbered the technical staff, which makes this pretty universal in my
experience.
So naturally, the moment you show even a modicum of competence,
suddenly everyone wants to be your friend.*
That's not necessarily a problem, of course - it's nice to be
valued for your skills, especially when you're the token chick, as I've been
most of my career. It's the way in which they try and accomplish their
bogarting of my time. In a phrase, sucking up and shining on.
This ploy is so transparent it actually makes me cringe
with discomfort when it happens. Of COURSE I want to be considered a top
performer in my group. Of COURSE I enjoy having the respect of my colleagues
and co-workers. But sucking up has always made me uncomfortable, regardless of
who's on the receiving end. Because, EW.
I tend to gravitate more towards people who manage our
relationship in a more professional way. If I've done good work, by all means,
say thank you. If I've done poor work, by all means, call me out. But don't act
like you're my best friend because you want me to prioritize your tasks
over others'. It's beyond presumptuous, as it Implies you think you know me
well on a personal level when that's clearly not the case. And what makes you
think I like you at all? Studies show that typically any given individual is
going to dislike 1 out of 7 people for no apparent reason. Just because I'm
pleasant and professional does not mean I want us to move in together and share
warm showers at night.
Because, EW.
*To be fair, the reverse is also true - if I could pick and
choose the sales staff I support, I'd be all over that like stink on days-old
fish. Just as I try to avoid the incompetents and the reprobates like the
plague.
3 comments:
On my first international business trip after grad school, I wound up getting nekkid with my colleagues at an Onsen outside of Nagoya.
You should try it. It's a team-building experience like no other. :D
1 out of 7, eh? I think I must be about 2 deviations from the mean, then.
Which way, only my colleagues know :-)
Oh yes, this. The "hey, yea, buddy, how's it been" ploy. Just tell me what you need, because I know I won't hear from those people until the next time they need my help.
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