Office Politics, Part 2: Romance and Request Lines

The percentages for successful office dating are against you. These relationships usually end badly. Be single and discrete if you do decide to have an affair with another single at work. It is a tricky situation, and can cause charges of favoritism and discrimination. Do not let your personal feelings for the person you are dating conflict with conduct towards others in the work place. You should not become defensive or offensive just because of something said or done in the office towards your new love. If things do not work out, keep the breakup as discrete as you did the romance. The scariest thing is when non-discrete office lovers break up. It can lead to problems.

The following is a true story: There were these two single jocks openly dating each other at a station. They broke up and he became disconnected personally and professionally. Many staffers took sides and jock meetings were tense. Lots of "he said-she said." Fortunately, she left for a position at another station. Unfortunately, he attempted to date her replacement, and in doing so revealed in private that her predecessor made more money. She immediately wanted a meeting and informed us that he had shared the monetary information, and she tried to renegotiate her agreement The entire situation was a mess, and the only good thing that came out of it was the fact that they too broke up.

To be fair, there was another inter-office romance between two single people at another station that has resulted in a 15-year marriage and two children. So nothing is impossible.

Outside Office Romance

Extramarital affairs outside the station should be kept outside. Never involve your co-workers by bringing your new love interest to a company function. Obviously, there are people at work who know the unknowing spouse and/or children. There is no reason to expose others to a potential domestic dispute, or put them in the middle of something that could wind up in divorce court. This sort of thing is always bad office politics. Office romance between married people who are not married to each other is trouble. Regular cloak-and-dagger stuff. There have been many stories of such liaisons ending up in spousal screaming matches in radio lobbies. People take their eyes off office productivity, and such meandering causes political complications and loss of jobs.

Request Lines

Request-line regulars become confessionals for some announcers. Therefore, never share station business, your troubles or opinions about your co-workers. However, there are times when you can use these regulars to pass on misinformation to other stations or to complement a fellow jock. There have actually been situations where confidential upcoming promotions have fallen into the competition's hands because of a request line conversation.

These request line regulars are groupies who love to talk to radio people, and will talk to anyone or any station. They mean no harm, but can unknowingly be dangerous or helpful. Just be a compassionate listener, and occasionally pump them for information about your competitor.

Conquer the political world inside the office and you will be able to work at any radio station or office place. Here are 10 things that will help you survive office politics:

1. Establish a good relationship with your supervisor.

2. Finish assignments on time.

3. Do not gossip.

4. Be a team player.

5. Make learning a priority.

6. Stay out of cliques.

7. Make friends and relationships outside work.

8. Do not be a complainer.

9. Use the company computer for company business only.

10. Do not let the phone distract you from your work. Some personal calls are necessary, but do not let your workday resemble that of a telephone operator. Focus your energies on-air.

All station employees should approach their jobs like office temps. Smile, contribute and do not make unnecessary waves. Work with others. Learn to compromise, because the only thing that counts are results. Managers, make decisions. It is either yes or no. A "maybe" should come to a conclusion in a timely fashion. Non-managers, (announcers, too) follow directions and get clarification to complete assignments.

Above all, always leave your supervisors in a defendable position. If something goes wrong, immediately let them know. You will give them time to absorb and find a solution. This makes it possible for the supervisors to be proactive and not reactive. When it comes to office politics, treat others the way you would like to be treated.