Profile - The Greybeard
May 21st 2009 20:06
This will be the first post exploring various types of office inhabitants and how they interact in your political process.
The office greybeard is the wily veteran in your office. He, or she, has been around forever and knows virtually everything and everyone in the business. These people tend to be very bright, very efficient and have a very high credibility level. Wanting to avoid the politics of leadership and the hassle of supervisory responsibilities they have zero ambition to move up the corporate ladder. Imagine them as the uncommissioned officers in the trenches of the office; they've survived by keeping their heads down and picking their battles carefully. These are the company people that do the heavy lifting; their experience, skill and efficiency make them valuable resources to their company and their bosses. For rookies they make the best mentors and trainers, and for employees trying to gain or maintain credibility they can be an invaluable source of respect. If a greybeard offers to show you the ropes take it and if a greybeard can give you props to the boss, even better.
For employees who don't want to review company policies or technical manuals the greybeard can give you instant and practical know-how. They'll know what part of the job is most critical and what is fluff and how to do things quickly and correctly. Although they present in the office as apolitical and conservative they often hold the unspoken stories of office dynamics and players. They'll know who gets things done, who is up the bosses' butt, and who slept with who after the Xmas party. They can act as a great bullshit meter as well; if you ever want to get a 2nd opinion on a direction from your boss, or a tip from a colleague, just run it by the greybeard for their thoughts.
Beware the greybeards who are past their due dates. Due to financial or HR reasons some veterans are kept past their prime and have entered the pre-retirement age of cynicism, burnout or defiance. The cynical greybeard may have been burned one too many times by the boss, or unhappy with changes in office technology or practice. The burnt out grey beard is overdue for a retirement cake - they might have lost their judgement and/or competance. The defiant greybeard knows the business too much for their own good - more than their boss, and they don't care about going rogue or going out with a bang before their last day on the job.
If your greybeard is on top of their game and is in good with your boss, then they are critical ally in your office, buy them a coffee once in awhile!
The office greybeard is the wily veteran in your office. He, or she, has been around forever and knows virtually everything and everyone in the business. These people tend to be very bright, very efficient and have a very high credibility level. Wanting to avoid the politics of leadership and the hassle of supervisory responsibilities they have zero ambition to move up the corporate ladder. Imagine them as the uncommissioned officers in the trenches of the office; they've survived by keeping their heads down and picking their battles carefully. These are the company people that do the heavy lifting; their experience, skill and efficiency make them valuable resources to their company and their bosses. For rookies they make the best mentors and trainers, and for employees trying to gain or maintain credibility they can be an invaluable source of respect. If a greybeard offers to show you the ropes take it and if a greybeard can give you props to the boss, even better.
For employees who don't want to review company policies or technical manuals the greybeard can give you instant and practical know-how. They'll know what part of the job is most critical and what is fluff and how to do things quickly and correctly. Although they present in the office as apolitical and conservative they often hold the unspoken stories of office dynamics and players. They'll know who gets things done, who is up the bosses' butt, and who slept with who after the Xmas party. They can act as a great bullshit meter as well; if you ever want to get a 2nd opinion on a direction from your boss, or a tip from a colleague, just run it by the greybeard for their thoughts.
Beware the greybeards who are past their due dates. Due to financial or HR reasons some veterans are kept past their prime and have entered the pre-retirement age of cynicism, burnout or defiance. The cynical greybeard may have been burned one too many times by the boss, or unhappy with changes in office technology or practice. The burnt out grey beard is overdue for a retirement cake - they might have lost their judgement and/or competance. The defiant greybeard knows the business too much for their own good - more than their boss, and they don't care about going rogue or going out with a bang before their last day on the job.
If your greybeard is on top of their game and is in good with your boss, then they are critical ally in your office, buy them a coffee once in awhile!
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