Thriving Alongside Dead-Enders

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Are you focusing on your job or slipping off to eBay (EBAY) or Facebook? Raise the bar. Contribute in meetings, conduct training sessions, and manage initiatives from start to finish. There's nothing like competition to amp up the energy level. By going against the grain, maybe you can tap into their long-dormant instincts and raise expectations.

Understand the Root Causes

On some level, you sympathize. You can almost imagine these dead-enders on their first day at work. They were bubbling with enthusiasm, harboring the best intentions, determined to leave a mark. But then the years took their toll. Maybe they grew weary from always being ignored. Maybe their anger swelled when they evolved into the company dumping grounds, first blamed and last funded. Or maybe they gave up, posing only token resistance to a "see no evil, hear no evil, say no evil" culture.

Now they're albatrosses, and you're stuck with them. You watch them go through the motions, without vision, viewing themselves as powerless victims. And they wait for their "good enough" lives to somehow improve, afraid of the unknown—and losing the little they have left.

What does this mean to you? Chances are, they view you as a newbie. Their jibs and jabs may be meant as helpful warnings about a dysfunctional culture. Often, their intent is to shield you from disappointment. You can understand their sentiments, but don't adopt them. Instead, always look to draw them away from the past and embrace those hidden opportunities in the present.

Make Connections

It's tough to stay upbeat when there's little support around you. To get through, start cultivating a support network of your own. Look for allies who can champion you—or help you maintain a positive outlook. Cultivate a mentor who can monitor your attitude and redirect those negative energies. In return, always look for ways you can bring value to these individuals, too.

Turn the Other Cheek

Sure, they might trash you behind your back. They have to validate their cloistered worldview somehow. Still, ask yourself: How much are they damaging my future job prospects? And do I need them to get my work done? Maybe your best bet is to treat them like spoiled children, ignoring their rants. Let them pout or shun you. In the end, they'll take far more from you than they'll return. It's a test of wills; you just need to outlast them.

Or Call Them Out

You've played nice and bit your tongue. Still, their asymmetrical attacks are taking their toll. But you already know that appeasing bullies only whets their appetites. In the end, they only respect power.

On rare occasions, consider burning a bridge so you're not tempted to retreat. What does it mean? When the petty becomes personal, take action and set boundaries. Privately clear the air with the offenders individually. Cite examples of what is inappropriate and set expectations going forward. If that doesn't work, put them on the defensive. Challenge them to find another job if they're so unhappy. Expose their cowardice and shame them for it.

Sure, you'll face some fallout. They'll deliver their sob story to their peers (if not your manager). They may even plot retaliation. So be it. You want their respect, not their phony camaraderie. Anything less is a dead end.

Jeff Schmitt works in publishing in Dubuque, Iowa. His monthly column, "The Personal Touch," is published by Sales & Marketing Management magazine at salesandmarketing.com. His e-mail is jschmittdbq@mchsi.com.

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