First month on the job and wondering about human relations...

OK, so this might sound like a pussy post but I want your guys' advice.

I started at my BB 2 weeks ago and already I see a little bit of office politics (ppl talking shit behind other ppls backs, etc).

I have a sense, although not 100% positive, that some ppl in the office don't like me. I would see them in the halls and they would avoid saying hi to me, etc (maybe they're introverted?). As a first yr, I want to be able to have good relations with everyone in the office.

Have you guys ever wondered about how other ppl perceived you? Any issues you have faced? What attitude should I have in terms of maintaining positive relations? All your responses would be appreciated.

 

great question japped. i'm actually in the same boat, starting off my first few months at a BB. where ever you go, there will be office politics, but being that this is my first job, i try to pay attention to the task at hand and let the higher ups do the worrying about the political landscape.

similarly, i want to be known as smart, diligent, but i also want to be well-liked. it's a difficult balance, but as long as you know how to hold a friendly conversation and demonstrate genuine concern for the people you work with, i think by nature, they will reciprocate.

when work-related tasks arise, i stay serious and do what i'm asked, but during less strenuous periods (lunch/late in the day), there's always room for some light-hearted banter.

 

It sucks. I worked in a pretty dysfunctional group where some associates/senior analysts were always nice to you (to your face) and as soon as you turned your back, the claws came out. It was never a matter of work product but just personality/feeling threatened/etc. Thankfully, I was on our senior guys' good side so they always stuck up for me. You, of course, need to find allies especially since your written reviews directly affect bonus compensation and offers for a 3rd year (i.e. at least at my BB, when they 'ranked you', they also checked out your written comments).

Keep your head down, work hard, maintain relations with the people who really matter and don't stoop to their level. In my experience, things always have a way of working out. The people who spent all their time throwing others under the bus ultimately were laid off and couldn't find jobs (or if they did, they are definitely shittier ones).

 
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