Is it better to do the right thing, or the smart thing?

Question

In my case the smart thing is to do nothing. The right thing is to speak up.

My employer has set up a new recognition program that is biased away from the blue collar workers, and even the salaried people whom work close to them (myself). We are forced to set in on these stupid ‘town meetings’ while awards are given to people that do a marginal job. The employee handbook does not state that the meetings are manditory.

I usually take vacation, on the days of the meetings, because I can hardly control the urge to say something rude out loud. I really want to say to management that the system is creating a ‘hostile work environment’. Company policy says they have to make good my complaint. At best they will excuse me from the meetings and ask me not to encourage others to do the same. At worst they will escort me out the door.

I have voiced my opinion to many of my co-workers, and most feel the same, but are afraid to come forward. I am also afraid that one day I will be called up the receive one of the awards. I would be devastated with embarrassment because the award has been completely invalidated.

Answer 1

It is your job and sometimes we don't agree with what goes on at our job. But we may not have authority to change it. If you can let those in authority know how you feel without risking your job then do it. Otherwise you may just have to grin and bear it.

Answer 2

Try talking to your supervisor about it. Is there a way to nominate some of the blue collar workers for the award, so it becomes a little more meaningful?

You really need to take a look at the bigger picture. You should be working somewhere where you feel comfortable expressing things of this nature to superiors, where you don't feel like things are just a sham, and where you're not afraid of being fired for disagreeing with a supervisor. Time to start looking elsewhere, I think. It makes a huge difference to work for people and a company that you like, trust, and can relate to. You'll be much, much happier in the long run.

Answer 3

In your case, I would do the right thing and speak up. A job is a place you go to every day of your life till retirement, and if you plan on staying at this job, do you really want to go to a place being miserable at all times? sometimes, some things, are worth risking for a good cause.

But on the other hand, if it's something you can't do on your own and you know your co-workers won't back you up, then there really is no reason to go forward and speak up as they will think you stand alone and the majority have no problem with it...

it's a tough situation, but...good luck :)

Answer 4

Have you considered your options? Have you looked into the laws with your union? Do you have a union?

Right is right and wrong is wrong. You are an employee hired to do a certain job and you should be able to have a voice to state your opinion... in a perfect world.

Can you colaborate with the other co workers who feel the same as you do and write a letter and have everyone sign it?
( Perhaps talk to your boss about this first in a private meeting and tell him that there are others who are taking your position and IF you can get enough signatures, would he be willing to reconsider his position?)

I would first start with talking with your boss before arbitralialy taking drastic measures.

Answer 5

There are always going to be politics in the workplace that is counter to what you believe in. However, a job is a necessity for most (including myself). I believe it really depends on how strong your feelings are on this. I'm an advocate for 'choosing your battes'. If it doesn't infringe on your work and quality of work life, then what's the point of making a fuss?

Answer 6

Do the smart thing while you are there. THEN:

Look for another job. When a hostile work environment is there, it is no longer a "good job" no matter what the pay or benefits.

Answer 7

It particular beats being recognized as a actual dummy, does not it? costly Charlie, if this is the biggest situation you have, you're luckier than ninety 9.9999999999999999999999999999 % of the teenage inhabitants. bypass out and have fun. do exactly no longer enable it do to you what nameless says occurred to him. do no longer enable it create extra rigidity. some rigidity makes you extra effectual and aggressive; too plenty makes you exhausted or maybe sick. this is o.k. to have days the place you won't be able to stay as much as people's expectancies.

Answer 8

I guess it depends on who you have to answer to. If you do the right thing you can look at yourself and be proud. If you do the smart thing, you only have the opinions of others to make you happy.

I guess the question is: "Who would you rather make happy, others or yourself?"

Answer 9

Do the smart thing. Take the days off and avoid the BS.


Good luck!

Answer 10

I would definitley speak up. I would rather sleep well at night knowing that I had done the right thing, rather then lay awake wishing I had said something.