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June 8, 2001

Anger Management

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There is a current of anger running through the high-tech industry today. Everyone -- high-tech workers, their clients, the press, the whole world -- seems to be angry that high technology has not proven itself the economic savior that some thought it would be. For you, the high-tech careerist, this can be a dangerous time. With so much anger floating around you are bound to be the target of someone's anger, even if it is misplaced. Keep your head clear and watch out for these typical scenarios.

Peer-to-peer

A recurring theme in the current high-tech climate is that of high-tech workers attacking each other. As layoffs begin and belts tighten, some workers react by trying to insure that they are the "last man standing" when layoffs come around. These workers will begin to complain, blame and nitpick their peers in an effort to raise themselves above the level of the layoff.

The first thing to remember, in this and all the scenarios that follow, is that these people are acting out of fear. For whatever reason, they believe that if they lose their current job they may never get another one. They may make unpleasant comments about you and criticize your work, but you should never take these comments to heart. It is very important that you remain above the fray and not let their griping make you question your own belief in your skills. If you start doubting your own skills and abilities you will be following them down a long declining road. If anyone tries to play this game with you, just walk away. Their words are poison.

This is not to say that you don't defend yourself if someone is misrepresenting your work to management. Do not take up the issue with your co-worker, instead take your concerns directly to your manager. Be prepared to show exactly how your work is contributing to the goals of the department and the company. The one advantage you have in this situation is that you are not operating out of fear and desperation. You know you can work for any number of other companies. This knowledge allows you to keep a level head when dealing with the problem instead of making it worse by panicking.

Employer/Employee

An even worse scenario takes place when management loses their cool and suddenly starts looking for anyone to blame for a company's failure, besides themselves. As companies begin the slow slide in to failure, management can often begin the search for a scapegoat. If you are lucky, they will address their anger to their venture capitalists, board of directors, bankers or vendors. In the worse case scenario, though, you, the front-line worker, will become their focus.

Management may begin by using guilt to push you into longer and longer hours with no overtime pay. Then they may begin to verbally attack you, call you lazy or uncooperative. In some extreme cases they might even accuse you of actively trying to sabotage the company. Instead of looking to themselves for the culprit they will do everything they can to pass the blame to someone else. Unfortunately, this type of behavior often leads back to the first scenario above. The employees are being blamed and so try to blame each other. This quickly turns into a death spiral for the business and damages the self-esteem of everyone involved.

There is only one solution when dealing with such a toxic environment…get out! Get out as quickly as you can before the company takes your career along on its downward ride. You do not want to be around for the end of a company like this. It is not a pretty sight. In some extreme cases, the recriminations and anger can even lead to illegal activities and possibly involve you in legal action. Get out before the walls come tumbling down, your career will be the better for it.

The public

The most difficult anger to deal with can be the anger that the general public exhibits towards those involved in high-tech. Too many arrogant and obnoxious people have risen up out of the high-tech industry into great prominence. The public is taking great glee in the failure of these same people. Unfortunately, you don't have the benefit of millions of dollars in stock options, the mansion or the Porsche.

The public is often disappointed by the failure of high-tech to live up to the most grandiose dreams proffered by the high-tech movers and shakers. We all over-estimate the speed of technological advancement and this makes high-tech workers a bit like "the boy who cried wolf!"

It seems that anger is going to be a large part of the high-tech industry for the foreseeable future. Your best defense is a good self-image and remembering that, despite what anyone might try and make you believe, you are doing the best work possible. Those around you may try to convince you that you are not pulling your weight or put the blame for failure on your shoulders, but you know better. You know that they are acting out of anger and fear and their motives may be suspect. Trust in yourself, ignore their anger and keep doing the best work possible.

 

about this column.

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Douglas E. Welch is a freelance writer and computer consultant in Van Nuys, California. Readers can discuss career issues with other readers by joining the Career Opportunities Discussion on Douglas' web page at: http://www.welchwrite.com/dewelch/ce/

He can reached via email at douglas@welchwrite.com

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