Personality discrimination? Respective, self-starter, professional worker not good enough anymore these days?
Asked by ymarussw
Is being a respective, self-starter, professional worker not good enough anymore these days? Details: In my past work experience I've run across confrontation about my personality. For the most part I do my job, but when it comes to socializing I kind of like to keep it short because it most often leads to drama. Unfortunately, keeping it short has led me to be unemployed once. I used to work as a receptionist at a University. It was a temporary job, and I was hired to specifically assist the Executive Assistant (my supervisor) because she had so much on her plate. My main job duties were to greet visitors, direct them to their destination, answer and direct phone calls, copying, filing, b-day planning, and whatever assistance the other professors needed. Almost daily my supervisor provided me with a list of things to do, which usually took all day. When there wasn't anything to do I would find something else to keep me busy. As months ensued, complaints from the "head director" (??? - forgot his actual title) came about. His complaints were: - When walking into the main office I would jump from my seat as if I were doing something I shouldn't have been doing. - Leaving the door half open appeared unwelcoming. - I don't take the initiative to offer to help - He could never tell whether I was happy or sad These complaints were not made directly to me. The head director spoke to my supervisor and she passed along the information. I was insulted... and my supervisor spoke on my behalf because every complaint could be accounted for except for the first and last complaint, which was total BS. When I showed improvement in these areas more complaints popped up. One day he called to ask how to obtain a parking pass from guests. I explained to him the process, which was to fill out a form and someone would need to take the form to the "campus parking department" (whatever it's called). Immediately following the conversation he e-mailed my supervisor and complained that I did not take initiative to take the parking form to the required place. Once again, I was insulted... I wanted to defend myself, but my supervisor informed me this is the way professional environments are. You don't fight back, you just make the necessary changes and move along. The head director went as far as using my love for Graphic Design against me. In his words, "Do you think it's her love for Graphic Design that makes her a bad receptionist?" I lost all respect for this man, and...I no longer cared too much for the job. I wasn't hired to put on clown shoes and put on a performance. I did the job... Eventually, before my temporary contract ended they began preparations make my position a FT job. Of course I applied to the job and by applying I would be considered first. -_- They said they wanted someone who would fit in with the "team" and they wanted someone with a bubbly personality. Who did they hire? They hired a sickly man who days before working had gastric bypass surgery, living off Crystal-Lite water, and whose personality was far from bubbly. I should mention the new receptionist was a friend of the account manager and acct. manager's assistant. It's just amazing to me how people get away nepotism. The acct. manager's assistant was a very flamboyant man who sometimes wore make up and hair weaves, loud, and a very nasty attitude. The new receptionist was also apart of this lifestyle. Months later I visited my then supervisor because we built a close friendship (so I thought), and the new receptionist was talking on new web camera to his friend. Michr, I'm sure you can read so how about reading the headline question or the first two lines to this post. PS - You're a jerk.

Best Answer:
is there a question here? sorry you feel so bad about this job but what is it you would like to know? or did you just need to rant/vent? get over it and move on worrying about this is not good for you.....

If I understand your question, you're asking "Isn't doing my job sufficient, or do I also have to be "Miss Congeniality?" Sorry to say, in the real world, co-workers have to feel like they know who you are, in order to feel comfortable around you. Aloofness will be interpreted as that you dislike them. If it's any consolation, I sympathize with you, because I'm the same way -- friendly but not familiar with co-workers. my solution is to try to meet them on common ground, and keep my individual tastes, or things they wouldn't understand to myself.
Answered by Marco M

I can feel your frustration in this situation. No body wants to be raked over the coals about something when it comes to their personality and their physique. It sounds like you took quite a bit of initiative and you were still not appreciated. You do not need to have a job where people don't respect you for who you are. It is a form of discrimination. I feel that they should have hired you with the fact that you were closer to the training and personality that they wanted to have on their team. Look for even a better job, and don't give them a second thought. You need someone better than that. Hope that this helps:)
Answered by mtwaites

omg! Ive been accused of being aloof in the work place and im like wtf IM DOING MY JOB WHATS THE PROB?! Anyway us introverted/responsible/keep to ourselves types are outnumbered in the sea of backbiter/follower/busybody/kissing up types Keep ur head up and possibly try to find a more solitary job or at least a job where people are less insecure :)
Answered by HOPE FOR THE BEDDER

Personality is also a vital part of the job, especially for a receptionist. I don't like the social aspects of my jobs , either, so I never go to the lunches, etc., but you do have to be approachable, cordial, friendly, and a member of the team. Doing and saying the minimum won't get you very far. That's not really the whole job. Basically, we are not paid to be ourselves. When you say "respective" do you mean "respectful?" It could also have something to do with language and communication skills. That is a word, but the way you're using it doesn't mean what I think you believe it means.
Answered by misslabeled

I'm afraid personality is a huge part of the perception of job performance nowadays. Things have gotten progressively more clique-oriented, so who you're friends with and who you suck up to is very important. If you're perceived as unfriendly, too serious, not flexible, bossy, holier-than-thou, stiff, not a team player, etc., they can lay you off for that because you "didn't fit in". Being on the internet, talking on the cell phone, and other time-wasters are considered no different from cubicle chit-chat and talking around the water cooler like we used to do. You need to do your best to fit in and try to find something you like about your employees, even if that is uncomfortable for you. We're working in a new, more diverse world.
Answered by dingding