Characters We Work With – Wentworth
The Liz Birdsworth
Liz is a character in every sense. She is the office bumble bee, hopping from flower to flower to get a little something from everyone. She connects all corners of the office with some kind words, a sprinkle of sunshine, and a healthy dose of gossip. She is competent at her job, dedicated to keeping it, and why she ensures that while she loves the social aspects of work, she is smart enough to prioritize the work and gets it done. Every so often the bumble bee will sting you, usually in the form of gossip that involves you. Good luck tracing it back to Liz, who will deny it til the cows come home, and is not above a white lie here or there if it will keep her in everyone’s good graces without destroying her credibility. She knows that the gossiper needs to be giving good intel or she will just be looked at as a troublemaker. To some degree she is, and you wish she’d focus more on the work than her social agenda, but Liz is quite comfortable with who she is. People find her fun and friendly and value her covert ops to get the skinny on everything, and she fills that role to a tee.
The Vera Bennett
For the longest time Vera was a one-trick pony, and you did not think much of her personally or professionally. She had always been viewed as somewhat of a lacky for the bosses, never veering from the path they set for her, or nor would she ever disobey their orders. That does offer a modicum of consistency that some do appreciate, but you and most others would love to see some independent thought and decision making from someone who is in the role of a superior. Until recently, that just was not Vera’s specialty. Thankfully, after a series of changes in the hierarchy, Vera found herself in an elevated leadership role, forced to make decisions on her own and stand by them even when unpopular. Surprisingly, she has flourished in the role, has made quick, good decisions and things are stable and productive under Vera’s leadership. She proves that given the opportunity people that you may not expect to do so, will rise to a new level.
The Will Jackson
Will has all the tools to be great. He seems to take his work and his life seriously, and when he is on, he is as good as gets. But you have seen that talent alone won’t get you far if you don’t have discipline and consistent work ethic. As serious as Will acts in most cases, you see flaws in his game that pull him away from being the best he can be. You do not pry, but suspect his personal issues are impacting his work and life in a negative way. You even see that he has been demoted to lesser roles at times, and eventually put back up after a considerable period of good work. It is clear that people have faith in Will and want to give him opportunity. But he may be his own worst enemy, and while you like him, and see how talented he is, you wonder if he’ll every be able to put it all together, sustain it, and achieve his full potential.
The Bea Smith
If you have been in a tough work environment, one with what is referred to as a ‘toxic culture’, you recall how there needed to be a shake up, usually at the top. Such a work culture makes it difficult if not impossible for it to change from within, as those who have the courage to stand up to leadership that is often driving it, are quickly dismissed or disciplined in such a way that they never dare challenge authority in the future. Then Bea Smith joined the team, and brought with her the toughness, leadership skill, and intelligence required to lead a turnaround of a workplace immersed in a toxic culture. Taking every opportunity to call out what is wrong, and challenge those driving it has created enemies, but she never backs down. She is tactful, respectful, and never gives someone the opportunity to say that she has been rude or insubordinate. She just outsmarts everyone, plays the long game, and eventually leads a revolt that ends with clearing out a bad leadership team. From there, Bea and some other likeminded colleagues are able to reinvent the workplace to the productive, positive culture it should be.
The Joan Ferguson
When we talk ‘Toxic Culture’ you no doubt had Joan Ferguson at the helm during that period. She is driven only by power and will ensure anything or anyone standing in the way of her agenda will be sorely dismissed. You have seen her, usually quietly and passively, notice someone balking at an idea or suggesting an idea of their own that runs counter to what Joan has suggested. While nothing happens publicly, you soon hear whispers about that person, now being labeled as a troublemaker, or rabble-rouser, and before long, you hear that they have left the group, the company, or have been moved to a lower position. Only those with exceptional heart and fortitude will take the risk for the greater good to stand up to Joan. Unfortunately, this has most often yielded no success, as Joan is also as cunning and smart as you have seen, always a step ahead from those attempting to usurp her power. The best you can do is say your prayers that you find a better career opportunity, or she does, or simply that someone recognizes what is going on in your organization and gets rid of Joan for good.
Thank You for stopping by the Break Room! Check Out ‘CW3 on YouTube’, and watch the ‘Characters We Work With’ come to life. Be sure to Like & Subscribe & Get Alerts for all new CW3 Video Posts and Channel Updates!
We Also Have ‘Characters YOU Work With’!
Click the Pic and Order Your CW3 Today!
0 Comments