Q. I think in our firm we have a problem with pettiness. Everyone wants to have the last word. And people wrangle about the stupidest things. The latest witch hunt is about cleaning the kitchen. We have people practically at each other’s throats because some claim they wind up cleaning the kitchen all the time and that others don’t do their share. I agree that everyone should pitch in, but I think people are taking this a little far.
A. The atmosphere in an office can turn petty for a variety of reasons. It can happen when people perceive inequities, especially a lack of respect between and among employees. For instance, when it appears that some people get special favors and treatment based on politics, that can breed a back-stabbing atmosphere. And when employees believe that they are being taken advantage of, without protest from management, they can start to reflect some of the behavior you’re talking about. Another breeding ground for pettiness is stress. When people are exhausted and overworked, they can start to sound pretty childish. A further source of strain is severe personality clashes.
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