Man not Machines

Learning to work with different  kinds of people in office or workplace is the first step in the lifelong course of globalization.
Its not just about nation, geographic or cultural differences but also of the personalities. Religious, ethnic and linguistic differences are so passe. What one needs to understand is that when you come to office you not only bring your laptop,files,tie,suit and your business phone but also your thinking,reasoning and attitude. These of course may or may not be influenced by your geographic and ethnic backgrounds but  work attitude is a whole different dimension.

I personally have felt that no matter how much you insist that personal and professional life should be separate, it cannot be,practically. Eg. A mother who works has a different attitude to work compared to a single woman. Her notion of work priorities is not what a team leader or supervisor would expect in 'corporate' terms. Just because she wants flexible timings to take care of her child doesnt imply partial commitment.

Another instance is of new generation who come to corporate set up with notions of Why and Why nots. Why 9 to 5? Why not work from home? Why should I print this assignment and waste paper?Why Microsoft office? Why not just a fortnightly meeting to reduce traffic?

Changing times means changing notions of work and life. How much of this is wrong or right is debatable,but its a losing debate. This is part of worklife just like life itself. Its good to ponder  over this and accept the flow in your workplace. Accept your colleagues and your team with their diverse personalities and try to work around them instead of aligning them to your policies so that there's a bunch of walking copier machines.