The Cookout

[Deleted member 191]

Hey all, I wanted to post a thread here because I don't often interact here and workplace environments and relationships are interesting to me because I feel like they subconsciously impact us in subtle ways we don't notice until after we've left that place or it's pointed out to us by someone else.

In answering the question for the topic, for me, I had an ideal workplace at a mortgage company but, it didn't work out in the end because Covid happened and I was let go. I think it could have been a great situation sans that, though.

Part of what creates a good environment for me is who the supervisor is and their management style. I prefer a more adult-like, hands-off approach. I don't need to be micromanaged and babysat because I feel like if you need to do all that, then do it your damn self. Essentially, a manager or super where they trust the people they've hired or otherwise, hire the people they trust. I also add how I mesh with co-workers. Now I'm not saying I'm looking for friends, but I still need to be able to work with and respect you, because even if I don't like you personally, we can still make shit happen and accomplish much together if we're on the same page professionally. Currently, I don't have that idyllic situation per se, although, my super is hands-off. But his hands-off is more because he doesn't really have a leadership skill-set and doesn't really know what's going on, usually. Now with that being said, I do feel it's a loose enough environment that I can focus on my true goal of self-employment and achieve what I'm working toward without much conflict. But sometimes, that leads me to lose focus on the task at hand in the office which is the job I'm getting paid for at the moment and only want to focus on my own goals.

Anyway, for those of you out there currently exchanging your time for money, what are some of your experiences in the workplace?

 

[Jay]

Part of what creates a good environment for me is who the supervisor is and their management style. I prefer a more adult-like, hands-off approach. I don't need to be micromanaged and babysat because I feel like if you need to do all that, then do it your damn self.

This is where I thrive as well. I also need the ability to work wherever I want, whenever. I don't want to be chained to a desk and stuck with an hour lunch. If I get my job done leave me alone and don't call me.

I also prefer to work around more conservative White people as there is less virtue signaling in those work environments. When you work at a liberal Silicon Valley type of company they insult your intelligence because they preach diversity and all types of other feel good nonsense while being every bit as insular, racist, and abusive as conservative white companies.

My last employer had hella ethics complaints, they didn't release a statement at the height of the uprisings, and it made sense...there were no Black people in leadership, they didnt want Black people around, and their lack of a statement was in sync with the executives.

These liberal companies won't hire Black people at all but be posting MLK posts, Black Lives Matter posts, but won't hire a Black person and when they do they act stupid AF around them.

But overall I like places that:

• Clearly defined goals and objectives
• The tools necessary to meet goals and objectives
• Are results oriented

 

[Deleted member 191]

This is where I thrive as well. I also need the ability to work wherever I want, whenever. I don't want to be chained to a desk and stuck with an hour lunch. If I get my job done leave me alone and don't call me.

I also prefer to work around more conservative White people as there is less virtue signaling in those work environments. When you work at a liberal Silicon Valley type of company they insult your intelligence because they preach diversity and all types of other feel good nonsense while being every bit as insular, racist, and abusive as conservative white companies.

My last employer had hella ethics complaints, they didn't release a statement at the height of the uprisings, and it made sense...there were no Black people in leadership, they didnt want Black people around, and their lack of a statement was in sync with the executives.

These liberal companies won't hire Black people at all but be posting MLK posts, Black Lives Matter posts, but won't hire a Black person and when they do they act stupid AF around them.

But overall I like places that:

• Clearly defined goals and objectives
• The tools necessary to meet goals and objectives
• Are results oriented

I can't agree or props this more. I would say your "ideal workplace" characteristics are priorities for me too. I'm a problem solver at heart and I hate working harder over working smarter. One can't obtain that environment if the goal posts are constantly moving, the tools for success are insufficient and you can't adequately explain what success looks like in the position I'll be working in.

 

[Boss Hog]

I've been in logistics for some years now either forklifting or driving trucks and the thing I really need is organization. Don't have me picking up pallets and shit and then when I drop it you want me to move it because you had the order wrong or the shelf wrong. Know the SKU of what you want, know where I need to drop it to so we can do clean work. I also like diversity too many damn Mexicans in warehouse and they all gang together against us.

 

[Bruh Man]

I work well in a place that’s fast paced with a lot of pressure. If I get too much downtime I just start getting into everything surfing the internet and shit on the company computer out of boredom.

The boss also gotta know the job and be able to give you what they need straight up. I don’t like when they confused and you gotta work through they confusion. Nigga if you don’t know then don’t tell me to do anything or let me figure out the plan.

Also I don’t like when they don’t train me. I had a job at UPS loading the boxes and they wasn’t tryna teach me shit. I had to figure out how to load the trucks on my own and that made it stressful because we had to load them bishes up quickly before the driver made it in.

 

[Deleted member 191]

I work well in a place that’s fast paced with a lot of pressure. If I get too much downtime I just start getting into everything surfing the internet and shit on the company computer out of boredom.

The boss also gotta know the job and be able to give you what they need straight up. I don’t like when they confused and you gotta work through they confusion. Nigga if you don’t know then don’t tell me to do anything or let me figure out the plan.

Also I don’t like when they don’t train me. I had a job at UPS loading the boxes and they wasn’t tryna teach me shit. I had to figure out how to load the trucks on my own and that made it stressful because we had to load them bishes up quickly before the driver made it in.

I'm dealing with a relatively similar situation. He doesn't know how to explain things very well and he lacks focus so it's a struggle to get any real direction from him which is real frustrating. I'd rather BS and get paid for it if I'm being honest.

 

[TheHarmattan]

I have everything that I want in an occupation. I weed out all non-hackers that are not motivated to give their all for the vision. Black hair is not a sin and I really like seeing the smiles on people's faces when they see that in their on-boarding. I value individuality. A person's performance is based on their individual needs so I accommodate them as much as I can.
I learned from Larry Wall back in 1997, that there is more than one way to do a thing. I've kept that philosophy until this day.
Defy my orders and get it done if you must, but I need you to get it done.

Work flow is always challenging but we get through it as a team.

 

[InsaneOptimist]

With an inclination to pursue Creative, & Academic pursuits I prefer a type of Self Exile or Forced isolation. Examples Malcolm X, Winston Churchill, Machiavelli, etc.
However, as it relates “at this moment in time” to meeting the basic demands of life, as a Gardener I prefer restoration of neglected “High Profile and/or Historic” properties & gardens. Additional ideals are clients that “stay out of the way” and remember that they came to me for help.

 

[Deleted member 191]

With an inclination to pursue Creative, & Academic pursuits I prefer a type of Self Exile or Forced isolation. Examples Malcolm X, Winston Churchill, Machiavelli, etc.
However, as it relates “at this moment in time” to meeting the basic demands of life, as a Gardener I prefer restoration of neglected “High Profile and/or Historic” properties & gardens. Additional ideals are clients that “stay out of the way” and remember that they came to me for help.

I particularly like your description of ideal clients. An often overlooked aspect to the work environment. Though you can't always choose your clients, your employer will often have a ...type if you will that eventually you start to get a handle on the type of people they're willing to do business with and if they don't understand that they're not the expert and need to let you do your job, I can imagine that is a good way to get folks disenchanted with a workplace quickly if a conversation isn't had.

 

[Bruh Man]

I'm dealing with a relatively similar situation. He doesn't know how to explain things very well and he lacks focus so it's a struggle to get any real direction from him which is real frustrating. I'd rather BS and get paid for it if I'm being honest.

I just had to deal with that shit today i almost walked out. Muhfucka dont wanna give good instruction but wanna hold people accountable.

 

[RoyalAscension]

My ideal environment is as follows

*Hands-off managerial approach. But not so hands off that I don't see or talk to you but every 2 months. My current job is this situation. My team is hiring so much the management is MIA. No real on-boarding and kind of figuring alot shit out on my own.

*I enjoy traveling so definitely not a desk/office/cubicle person.Right now I am working from home. I have met my team once in person. I understand times call for this and I love being home when my kid comes homes from school. But I realized how important interacting with others in person is for me.

*I value team building. I don't need to be your best friend. But I do want to be comfortable with those I work with. I am spending 40 hours or more around you. I value some sort rapport/relationship. I am more than my "work". And why we are here to do a job and keep it pushing. It means alot if someone is like how is your son or some non work shit.

* modern/forward moving. I like to see updates buildings, equipment etc. Even though I don't plan on being in the office all the time. I see like for it to be nice and clean.

* Team structure. I am all for creativity. But I value some sense of protocols and team unison. My current job lacks in this area greatly. Everybody doing they own thing. It's a bunch of silos. Doesn't feel congruent or like a team at all.

*ultimately I want to own my own business in which I will be in my true ideal work environment lol.

 

[Deleted member 191]

*Hands-off managerial approach. But not so hands off that I don't see or talk to you but every 2 months. My current job is this situation. My team is hiring so much the management is MIA. No real on-boarding and kind of figuring alot shit out on my own.

Right. I don't want you micro-managing me, but I also don't want to feel like I'm alone on an island either. I need to know or at least feel like you're on top of what the team is doing.

* Team structure. I am all for creativity. But I value some sense of protocols and team unison. My current job lacks in this area greatly. Everybody doing they own thing. It's a bunch of silos. Doesn't feel congruent or like a team at all.

This is huge for me. Having a couple infrequent processes without a solid protocol is ok but when 50% or more of the process has varying degrees of protocol, that's when it assaults my efficient thinking brain.

*ultimately I want to own my own business in which I will be in my true ideal work environment lol.

Yeah I'm working toward that now. I want to do real estate investing, and I'm currently in the process of looking for ways to fund my deal.

 

[Deleted member 191]

Muhfucka dont wanna give good instruction but wanna hold people accountable

THAT PART!!!

 

[RoyalAscension]

Let me add this. Many of my work environments have been majority white. And I desired to work in an environment where people who look like me are the majority. For the first time ever I have that experience. My team is currently about 17 people and about 5 people are not black. My manager is black. My director is black! So I do really love that.

But um they aren't organized and a bunch of other shit lol. I think I am extra hard because I want my experience with this majority black work environment to be so much better than any of my previous experience.

I realized I had become almost indoctrinated to how white America views work. I had adapted to what they call "professionalism" . I was judging my people by a white American standard. And while many aspects of a great work environment are not race or culture based. I recognize how I viewed work through a white cultural lens.

 

[Deleted member 191]

I think I am extra hard because I want my experience with this majority black work environment to be so much better than any of my previous experience.

I can understand that. However, strong leadership, direction and organization is business 101. That's how you maintain and manage a professional environment. Being black, white or otherwise, isn't and shouldn't change that fact, imo. So I don't fault you for wanting those things in this environment with your own people.

I realized I had become almost indoctrinated to how white America views work. I had adapted to what they call "professionalism" . I was judging my people by a white American standard. And while many aspects of a great work environment are not race or culture based. I recognize how I viewed work through a white cultural lens.

Would you mind expanding on the "professionalism" angle as it pertains to the white American Standard? I've never heard this point put in quite that way before.

 

[RoyalAscension]

I can understand that. However, strong leadership, direction and organization is business 101. That's how you maintain and manage a professional environment. Being black, white or otherwise, isn't and shouldn't change that fact, imo. So I don't fault you for wanting those things in this environment with your own people.

Would you mind expanding on the "professionalism" angle as it pertains to the white American Standard? I've never heard this point put in quite that way before.

So in my experience with white America is that "professionalism" is having a tone or attitude of pleasant-ness. For example. In my previous company( worked there for 8 years). It was often frown upon and even gossip about if the way you came off wasn't nice? Now this standard seemed to only apply towards women for the most part. When I met and learned that the white leadership was highly disrespectful and the administration and HR personnel was aware...it was mind boggling to me. The more I was promoted and started being in the rooms with CEOs, the more I saw the lies. But still there was this veil of professional employees are nice and kind and welcoming....um catering even to others needs. There was this sense of you need to cottle the emotions of others to succeed.

Fast forward to my current role in this majority black environment. My manager said I should be able to be fully myself and not have to change in order to make you feel comfortable. She was speaking in general. And professional may not be the best word. But it made think like hmm that's kind of the opposite of how my last company was. And my previous work experiences.

 

[Deleted member 191]

So in my experience with white America is that "professionalism" is having a tone or attitude of pleasant-ness. For example. In my previous company( worked there for 8 years). It was often frown upon and even gossip about if the way you came off wasn't nice? Now this standard seemed to only apply towards women for the most part. When I met and learned that the white leadership was highly disrespectful and the administration and HR personnel was aware...it was mind boggling to me. The more I was promoted and started being in the rooms with CEOs, the more I saw the lies. But still there was this veil of professional employees are nice and kind and welcoming....um catering even to others needs. There was this sense of you need to cottle the emotions of others to succeed.

Fast forward to my current role in this majority black environment. My manager said I should be able to be fully myself and not have to change in order to make you feel comfortable. She was speaking in general. And professional may not be the best word. But it made think like hmm that's kind of the opposite of how my last company was. And my previous work experiences.

Ahhhh I see what you mean. If you're trying to climb the ladder then yeah you basically have to play their game. I do think there's truth though in what your manager from your current environment said. You shouldn't have to stifle who you are and put on a "performance" to qualify or validate your capabilities in your job. You should feel confident that you being you is enough not just for the position but also for the team dynamic.

 

[sourgrapes]

I work in a clinic and pretty much everyone has a set of roles and duties. 90% of the time, you are not told or asked to do anything unless you are not doing your job. If someone needs help, we offer it to each other. We work as a team and I have no issues with it. Some of the doctors can be a bit rude but I know being a doc is a stressful job so I don't take it to heart.

I like an environment where I am viewed as an equal, no matter what I am earning. If someone is above me on the wage scale and still treats me as an important piece to the structure, I am okay with it. I know we can't all earn the same. The only time I have a BIG issue with it is when people who earn more look down on people who are the foundation. I see this a lot in retail businesses. That ish it not right.

 

[Beloved]

My ideal work environment would definitely be in harmony as far as communication, conduct, leadership, values and overall professionalism. I find too often in the "plantation" as I and many of my people endearing call work often has this competitive, passive aggressive and even blatant racist overtone. I've been overlooked for positions I qualified for in tenure to white counterparts off the street, yet I believed the false mantra of "promote from within." It was a beauty consultant position I had no intention of applying for when it was offered during the interview. I was complimented on my extensive work history and various skillsets, that I carried myself in a way that may be well-suited for the position. I worked as a consultant, felt like an underling to my predecessor until they retired when I was able to show I was beyond capable. I surpassed my white older counterpart in sales, managed an entire cosmetic line counter and it's events to where it was thriving. Inevitably, I was overlooked for a younger version of the woman I was in line to replace. Eventually, I did finally have full capacity of a competitor to my former brand where I excelled. I won a company-wide contest in sales during a promotion, doubling my predecessor's last goal, increasing overhead and a cash prize of $500. Since then, I left after the pandemic to work as a caregiver remotely. Currently, I'm a pharmacy tech. There's been rude racist remarks made about my natural hair being "unprofessional" and that customers don't want to see that. My RX manager had conspired to remove me from the schedule without management approval based on her assumptions about her understanding of deadlines due to mandates, gossiping to colleagues I'll no longer be with the company unbeknownst to myself. With the foregoing of the said mandates, both my RX manager and store manager has apologized to me for the miscommunication. If I can't work with my people, I'd prefer not to be a minority. Be around like-minded professionals with tact and work ethic.

 

[Jay]

I've been overlooked for positions I qualified for in tenure to white counterparts off the street, yet I believed the false mantra of "promote from within." It was a beauty consultant position I had no intention of applying for when it was offered during the interview. I was complimented on my extensive work history and various skillsets, that I carried myself in a way that may be well-suited for the position. I worked as a consultant, felt like an underling to my predecessor until they retired when I was able to show I was beyond capable. I surpassed my white older counterpart in sales, managed an entire cosmetic line counter and it's events to where it was thriving. Inevitably, I was overlooked for a younger version of the woman I was in line to replace.

This happens all the time which is why I wrote this piece. I've had it happen to me, last time it happened I quit right away...didn't stay around to let them exploit me.

6ZEROS | Empowerment Focused Media By Black People, For Black People. |

Empowerment focused media. By Black people, for Black people.

www.6zeros.net

 

[Beloved]

This happens all the time which is why I wrote this piece. I've had it happen to me, last time it happened I quit right away...didn't stay around to let them exploit me.

6ZEROS | Empowerment Focused Media By Black People, For Black People. |

Empowerment focused media. By Black people, for Black people.

www.6zeros.net

I believe it. I'm sure nothing happened to me that is an anomaly in our community. Also, great read with the

 

[Beloved]

This happens all the time which is why I wrote this piece. I've had it happen to me, last time it happened I quit right away...didn't stay around to let them exploit me.

6ZEROS | Empowerment Focused Media By Black People, For Black People. |

Empowerment focused media. By Black people, for Black people.

www.6zeros.net

I meant to say great read 📰 "The Hidden Metric on Black Employees Performance" ✊🏾🧠👍🏾 💎 B1

 

[Jay]

I believe it. I'm sure nothing happened to me that is an anomaly in our community. Also, great read with the

This is why we need to build our own so we don’t have to deal with this nonsense.

 

[James]

I am working in IT related company for 6 years and changed the job quite few times but now settled with MNC for 3 years now where I have freedom to do my work with no pressure from clients and have good work life balance. We have healthy setup so we can do Gym here and have cafe so we don't need to go out of office. We can leave office whenever we can as no fix hours needed. So I like my working environment.