In my last posting I wrote: "Be a rebel, not an ass" and got more than a few positive reaction from readers. One of my longest-tenured mentees had the chance recently to show the difference between being rebel and an ass, so here's an opportunity for me to illustrate what I meant.
The Scenario
The Company says it has hired you to do X. You enthusiastically agree because it's a new job and you are the employee. Plus, you joined The Company because you believe in the work and like the people. Then one day you decide there are opportunities out there that you'd like to take advantage of and find a way to do so that's at no cost or time to The Company. The Company discovers you taking advantage of these legitimate opportunities. It finds out and you didn't bother to ask for permission. The scenario becomes a "he said/she said." You don't see why you have to ask permission because the opportunities do not cost the company anything in time or money. The Company doesn't want it's employees doing anything it considers a detriment to it's brand and the ability of it's employees to carry out their duties. It considers your professional growth activities "working for the competition." There's a meeting and then a second meeting.
Shortly after the second meeting, you wake one morning and see that The Company has sent you what is essentially a "cease and desist" demand. You understand this action and are regretful that you took the opportunity without asking. You try to to work it out because you know that it's tough out there. Media companies shed a ton of people over the last few years and it's a buyers market, companies can pick and choose. The Company is not firing you, but simply stating that your growth opportunities--even while it doesn't cost them anything out of pocket and it is on your own time--are a violation of company policy. It's been suggested that you stop any and all of your outside of work activities.
The Analysis
You stop for a moment to ask some questions like, "Why am I here?" You can't just walk out because the job provides you some needed financial stability, you are an employee of a branded company and you've spent the last several years working in various places (also well-branded) around the U.S. that you thought were steps on the proverbial career ladder. Your current job provides you with a virtual office and does take advantage of new technologies that enable you to find, create and distribute stories. You are a journalist and wish to remain in the industry and there is recognition of what you know and can do.
The Decision
My mentee went through two meetings (one in person) and was ready to comply until The Company sent the cease and desist order. After that text message (seriously) part one of my mentee's decision was made: S/he wrote back saying that while there was deep appreciation for working with The Company and the opportunities it afforded, this follow up text message serves as an official two-weeks notice of resignation from the position. I entirely supported this decision.
The Bottom Line
You can stomp out, make lots of noise, trash The Company in your blog, make catty remarks raging against the machine to anyone who will listen and most of us would understand. But, maturity wins. If you think you are being treated unfairly, exhaust all avenues made available to find a mutually acceptable solution. I think it's really important to do it this way. You want people to give you another chance and your ability to handle difficulty and what you have learned from it will always be there working for you or against you.
An ass will noisily blame others, is completely unaware of how they are to other people and will never accept responsibility for anything gone wrong.
The rebel will leave, agree to disagree and then place a few phone calls to people in an already established network.
Then, the rebel will check his/her supply of hand sanitizer because there are too many hands to shake and follow-up discussions to be had about what they are working on.
*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog
