by R. Douglas Williams

Created on: December 23, 2008   Last Updated: December 24, 2008

The sad reality about working in an office setting is that ultimately no one is "on your team". Believing the myth that you have a team and people are going to always be loyal to you will create disappointment. The best way to save yourself from alot of anger, interpersonal conflict, or worse - being suddenly unemployed - is to know this information and live in it.

Don't let the office become a place where you get your feeling of importance. No one, especially the people who work closest to your desk, think you are indispensable. If it is necessary, they will congregate and discuss why you said a certain thing that went against their code. If you open up to these people and ask for advice or share personal information they will use this as conversation material between themselves.

I have watched as those who lead "teams" or managed departments - trendy, decidely likeable, fun people - who upon leaving the place of employment had no one who could say something significant about them. A silent conference room and a full plate of chocolate chip cookies told me that no one is immune from the myth of office teams.

I would not suggest even trying to play the game of teams because there is no known line of sociability between cubicles.

The best thing you can do is find a job you really enjoy. If it is something you love, and you still find yourself within an office context, then your love for the job will pad your disdain with the political game that is transpiring around you. Dig in your heels and give it everything you have. Work passionately. Be blameless when it comes to procedures. Always take the initiative.

If loving your job is not enough to help you overlook the game, then consider becoming an entrepeneur. You have it within you to create a job where you can express your creative gifts in an environment where you don't have to watch your back.

A fair employer should be above the drama that goes on in the office and what others you may have perceived to be on your team are saying about you. If your boss is a professional individual they will notice the hard work you are doing, and will reward you for choosing not to join a team.

Your confidence should come from within as well as from those who love you most. Think about the family you are supporting - the real team you are on. Your excellence will speak for you, not someone sitting in a desk across from you.

The office is a lab for Darwinian theory. The best way to survive is not to look outwardly for your worth.

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