Getting Layered at Work
If layering is in your future, or your present, you need good coping strategies from a highly intelligent person with years of experience in dealing with corporate cruelty. Unfortunately, that person isn't available, so you'll have to make do with me.
No. 1: Reframe the reasoning.
'Layering doesn't mean a demotion,' Melody Wilding reminds us.
Keep telling yourself this as your co-workers snicker behind your back and fall over themselves kissing up to the new hire.
To make matters worse, you'll be expected to educate the interloper on the company culture, what there is of it. It's a process that goes way behind pointing out the location of the bathroom and your chance to be very helpful or very sneaky -- your choice.
Is your company run by superior creatures whose decisions must never be questioned' Tell your new boss they should never hesitate in speaking their mind, especially when it comes to challenging a top manager.
'They'll respect your commitment to radical honesty,' you say. No need to honestly explain how honestly joyful you'll be when they're honestly escorted out the door.
(As for the location of the bathroom -- don't say a word. Instead, hide all the signage that might help them find it. As they race around the office in increasing desperation, your new boss will start to understand how dedicated the company is to creating a fun environment.)
No. 2: Ask questions.
Don't be afraid to ask your old boss why a new layer of management was needed and why they think their obviously bogus reasons will hold up in the massive wrongful layering lawsuit you intend to file. This is also the time to reassure your boss that when their betrayal is revealed, you will work to restore employee morale by sharing the photos you took of them twerking naked at the company off-site.
...continued
Copyright 2024 Creators Syndicate, Inc.
