In all my years, I’ve only seen people actually fight a few times. Most of them were back when I was in grade school and my classmates were arguing as to who’s at fault for them being listed under “Noisy.” I thought when people grew up, they mature and leave their childish ways at the door on their 18th birthday. Apparently, I was wrong.
Last week, I was stunned to witness some of my staff members erupt into a full-blown, voice over the top, cat fight. Of course, these were women. I think that if men were involved, they’d just have a few words and then either walk away or slug it out.
Anyway, I wasn’t even aware that there was something brewing in the office. I only started hearing about it on the day the fight erupted. I don’t know if that speaks badly of me as the head of office or if they were just really good at keeping it a secret.
Apparently, the girls were gossiping amongst themselves as to the conduct of one of my staff. I heard that they were complaining about her not doing her usual work duties. You see, she (the subject of the rumors) used to do everything in the office, as in everything even stuff not related to her official duties. They told me that she would go out to pay bills of other staff, run errands for personal matters and others I suppose only a personal assistant ought to do. But she was not a personal assistant, at least not for any of the staff members. Anyways, I think she’d had about enough when they started talking about her behind her back.
Hence, during one lunch time last week, two women decided to exercise their vocal chords by making their voices louder than the other. I didn’t really know what to do except to watch them. I was reminded of my classmates back in grade school. After that was over, another fight brewed when somebody else accused another of being a “liar.” Crying ensued and even then, more spiteful words were uttered.
This morning, I was asked by the boss whether the whole “issue” was over. I told him that I’d already explained the scope of duties of one of the girls so there would no longer be any misunderstanding about that. He asked whether I think there should be a staff meeting. I hesitated. The way I see it, a staff meeting would be useless. Words and effort would be wasted on deaf ears. After all, if these people really wanted to settle their differences and just have a go at it like snotty children, they’d have done it through diplomatic means. The fact that they chose to react the way they did shows their true intention.
In any case, I think I’ve found myself deep in the “system.” This is where “grown up” doesn’t necessarily mean “matured people,” where diplomacy is just another term for hypocrisy, where getting along means you’d have to sacrifice your principles just so others won’t talk about you behind your back — which incidentally is hopeless, since they’ll talk about you behind your back whatever you do.
I told the boss there was no longer any need for a staff meeting to address the issue. Although, I wonder if it’s appropriate for me to say a few words. But then again, I think: deaf ears and closed minds. Never mind.
Although that’s not to say that they’re a bad lot. I’m old enough to know that in this life, the world isn’t really black and white. Nobody’s a “villain” all the time. Sometimes, the villain becomes the victim and vice versa. But I won’t stress about it. Life’s too short to worry. If it’s hopeless, just let it be.
