Be Your Own Team-Builder (How to Survive On the Job Until the Rescue Planes Arrive)

Team-building. Everyone has heard of it. Employers and employees work together in harmony and efficiency to create the best organization possible. No one would ever oppose this, right? But, in a slow economy, many business owners see their revenue as the only way to keep their companies afloat. Funds or time for team-building programs? That represents less revenue generation. Maybe you work in this situation. Over a drink, you might even be griping to pals that your bosses actually believe in Anti-team-building! Examples of Anti-team-building follow:

1). All Employees do not receive equal treatment. Favorites don't have to follow the same office rules as others. They clock in late, get longer lunch hours, and required work loads and levels of service differ from the 'non-favorites'.
2). Emails from the bosses are generally negative: pointing out dress code infractions or low sales numbers, never to praise.
3). The Un-written Rule: Never complain to the boss about anything, from no toilet paper to unfair treatment. It's the equivalent of that bullet in your foot.

You might have examples of your own that make these look like pikers. So, how are you to be your own team builder against this backdrop?

Wait! Don't stop reading because you are already thinking, "I've got no interest in building a team at this place. I am outta here as soon as possible and that's my only goal." Stay with me for a few more seconds, even if you have been on the road to Elsewhere for some time now. You may feel that your resume is already the most actively circulated document on the planet. But, you're reading this, so I'm assuming that you aren't out yet. Out of necessity, you are still showing up daily at Anti-Team-Building, Inc. with your only goal to survive another day and collect another paycheck. So, what in the world am I talking about? How exactly are you supposed to be a team-builder in an office full of burnt-out people hiding in their cubicles, waiting for 5pm? And, how are you supposed to single-handedly start the process to make your workplace less toxic to humans until the rescue planes arrive?

The technique is simple and it's free. Here it is:

Start giving out to others exactly what you wish you were getting from your bosses.

Please remember, we're talking about team building here, not raises. And here's

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