Published on Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007
Birds of the same feather do flock together! Ever noticed how golfers, cricket fans or music enthusiasts tend to hang out together. So do people from the same college, geographical area, economic class and even ethnicity, race or language. Similarly, new mothers, brides-to-be or even computer programmers congregate and discuss their common interests at great length.
After all, it is almost second nature for like-minded people to come together and form informal social networks – be it in a family, school or other setting.
Invariably, people in office situations also tend to group themselves together around shared characteristics, interests, leanings or philosophies. They enjoy each other’s company and the ensuing bonhomie actually helps them in dealing with the vagaries of work life. Such innocuous groups can even help each other and encourage positive reinforcement whenever necessary.
But, what if the amicable groups polarise into ‘members only’ factions that cannot wait to topple each other? The immature groupism and rivalry was not left behind in the schoolyard. The clique culture filters into our workplace interactions too!
Trouble starts brewing when what is merely supposed to be an unofficial ‘support system’ transforms into a narrow coterie crammed with alliances and exclusions. An illogical division makes members resort to an impenetrable exclusivity, wherein they stick to their ‘own’ and non-members are branded as ‘outsiders’ or even worse, ‘intruders’. At times cliques ostracise and ridicule other people, but the guarded hostility manifests itself into unseen barriers between ‘rival’ groups. A simmering power struggle ensues and members are reluctant to help people outside their group. Is it any wonder then that crucial information gets miscommunicated or omitted, deadlines are missed and equipment is hoarded, all in the unrelenting game of one-upmanship? As the cliquism gets further entrenched, the warring clans may even actively work at hampering each other’s success. This complete breakdown in interpersonal relationships is wasteful, unpleasant and can be potentially lethal too. Everyone stands to suffer, as employees’ ability to work cohesively towards company growth gets impaired.
After all, it is almost second nature for like-minded people to come together and form informal social networks – be it in a family, school or other setting.
Invariably, people in office situations also tend to group themselves together around shared characteristics, interests, leanings or philosophies. They enjoy each other’s company and the ensuing bonhomie actually helps them in dealing with the vagaries of work life. Such innocuous groups can even help each other and encourage positive reinforcement whenever necessary.
But, what if the amicable groups polarise into ‘members only’ factions that cannot wait to topple each other? The immature groupism and rivalry was not left behind in the schoolyard. The clique culture filters into our workplace interactions too!
Trouble starts brewing when what is merely supposed to be an unofficial ‘support system’ transforms into a narrow coterie crammed with alliances and exclusions. An illogical division makes members resort to an impenetrable exclusivity, wherein they stick to their ‘own’ and non-members are branded as ‘outsiders’ or even worse, ‘intruders’. At times cliques ostracise and ridicule other people, but the guarded hostility manifests itself into unseen barriers between ‘rival’ groups. A simmering power struggle ensues and members are reluctant to help people outside their group. Is it any wonder then that crucial information gets miscommunicated or omitted, deadlines are missed and equipment is hoarded, all in the unrelenting game of one-upmanship? As the cliquism gets further entrenched, the warring clans may even actively work at hampering each other’s success. This complete breakdown in interpersonal relationships is wasteful, unpleasant and can be potentially lethal too. Everyone stands to suffer, as employees’ ability to work cohesively towards company growth gets impaired.
Break free
If you happen to be a part of a ‘cherished inner circle’, you may be deriving an immense sense of power and importance from being ‘superior’ to others. Or, you may be so engrossed in your group, that you either innocently or wantedly separate yourself from ‘the others’.
However, before aligning yourself with a group, remember that the cliquishness may actually work against you. It may seem fun to exclude, put down or even sabotage others, but it is also career limiting as you do need an expanded network of contacts as a stepping stone to success.
Therefore, instead of distancing yourself from non-group members, try to make sincere efforts to connect with people. Extend yourself by saying ‘hello’ to everybody and take the time to get to know people. Abandon the inter-group bickering and try to integrate everyone into the fold.
It is not necessary to get totally chummy with everybody; all you have to do is establish a professional and respectful work relationship. Harmony and better team interactions will prevail as it becomes easier to openly discuss and resolve work issues together.
Again, you may be inclined to consolidate forces and preserve group interest, but at what cost? Never make your clique a priority over your job duties, responsibilities and obligations. Such a blind clique endorsement not only has negative effects on the workplace, but can also devastate your entire future. So, look for groups that are supportive of you, not critical of or competing with others.
If you happen to be a part of a ‘cherished inner circle’, you may be deriving an immense sense of power and importance from being ‘superior’ to others. Or, you may be so engrossed in your group, that you either innocently or wantedly separate yourself from ‘the others’.
However, before aligning yourself with a group, remember that the cliquishness may actually work against you. It may seem fun to exclude, put down or even sabotage others, but it is also career limiting as you do need an expanded network of contacts as a stepping stone to success.
Therefore, instead of distancing yourself from non-group members, try to make sincere efforts to connect with people. Extend yourself by saying ‘hello’ to everybody and take the time to get to know people. Abandon the inter-group bickering and try to integrate everyone into the fold.
It is not necessary to get totally chummy with everybody; all you have to do is establish a professional and respectful work relationship. Harmony and better team interactions will prevail as it becomes easier to openly discuss and resolve work issues together.
Again, you may be inclined to consolidate forces and preserve group interest, but at what cost? Never make your clique a priority over your job duties, responsibilities and obligations. Such a blind clique endorsement not only has negative effects on the workplace, but can also devastate your entire future. So, look for groups that are supportive of you, not critical of or competing with others.
Stay above the fray
While it is natural for people with similar likes, tastes or any other differentiating factor to group together, it can have an exclusionary feel as others start feeling left out.
If you are on the outside looking in, the subtle divisions may make you feel marginalised, angry and powerless. In a quest for acceptance, you may even try your best to fit in with ‘the’ inner circle. But forcing your way in will only create greater disappointment, hurt and stress. Instead, ask yourself if you really want to join such a self-centred and thoughtless clique.
Also, recognise the unnecessary victimisation and snobbery for what it is – an arrogant cover to hide their insecurities and inadequacies. Keeping your self-respect and judgment intact will make the unholy alienation lose its power over you.
Yet, if the persecution crosses limits, you can also seek help from the manager or HR department for resolving the conflict. Last but not the least; remember that you are there to work, not make friends. And that’s the best immunity ever!
While it is natural for people with similar likes, tastes or any other differentiating factor to group together, it can have an exclusionary feel as others start feeling left out.
If you are on the outside looking in, the subtle divisions may make you feel marginalised, angry and powerless. In a quest for acceptance, you may even try your best to fit in with ‘the’ inner circle. But forcing your way in will only create greater disappointment, hurt and stress. Instead, ask yourself if you really want to join such a self-centred and thoughtless clique.
Also, recognise the unnecessary victimisation and snobbery for what it is – an arrogant cover to hide their insecurities and inadequacies. Keeping your self-respect and judgment intact will make the unholy alienation lose its power over you.
Yet, if the persecution crosses limits, you can also seek help from the manager or HR department for resolving the conflict. Last but not the least; remember that you are there to work, not make friends. And that’s the best immunity ever!
PAYAL CHANANIA
