Career Lessons from TV

Myka and Pete's close working relationship on "Warehouse 13"

In any workplace, it’s a nice to have a co-worker you can count on, even though appearances can be deceiving. It’s hard to dispute that what makes “Warehouse 13″ entertaining is the “relationship” between Pete and Myka. While the sexual tension is amusing, it’s their professional and platonic relationship that can be beneficial, but misconstrued by others.

In “Nevermore“, Pete follows Myka as she visits her parents in light of a family emergency regarding her father (played by Michael Hogan). Turns out the family emergency involves an artifact and they spend the episode trying to neutralize it. During the episode, it’s apparent the bond between Pete and Myka grows stronger as a result of what she and her parents are going through. In larger terms, the workplace is a stressful environment and having a trusted partner and friend to help you deal is a huge help in my book.

What It Means to Have a “Work Spouse”

Call it what you will. Your best friend at work. Your best work buddy. Your actual “partner” at work. Having someone you can trust and work closely together can be beneficial to your work and career as whole. Careerbuilder.com helps to determine whether or not you have what they call a “work spouse” in “7 Signs You Have a Work Spouse“. The article also explores the risks and benefits of having one. It’s not surprising that the benefits and risks are similar to those for dating someone in the workplace, minus the sex part. The trust, teamwork and productivity are offset by other co-workers feeling excluded, the proximity to co-workers where your working relationships have gone sour, and jealousy of actual spouses.

Same Sex Work Spouse

I would add that the your work spouse doesn’t have to be of the opposite sex. I have contacts that outright call their business partners their “spouse” even though they’re of the same sex. I believe the same benefits and risks still apply though.

From my point-of-view it’s nice to have a “battle buddy” as those from the military would say. It can be tough dealing with anything alone. As with any relationship, it takes work to make it work, but it’s also important to be as above board and transparent as possible to any third parties, whomever they may be.

What’s your “work marriage” like? Post it here.

Quirky but non-toxic co-workers on "Warehouse 13"

On “Warehouse 13″, everyone has their quirks to say the least. Pete is a manchild. Myka’s uptight. Artie keeps too many secrets (I still they’re all awesome, though). It’s inevitable that people are going to rub you the wrong way, whether they have a grudge against you, or it’s just how they role. In this post we’ll take a look at the kinds of co-workers to avoid, or at least minimize contact as much as possible.

In most cases, if someone at work is rubbing you the wrong way, chances are that’s are that’s how they role. They’ve gotten so far in their career putting goals before people, stepping on toes (and sometimes faces) is justified. “Just business” as they say. If they actually have  a grudge against you, it’s probably because they perceive you as threat to their careers and will do whatever it takes to ruin yours. While avoiding these folks is desirable, it’s pretty hard to do. Your only other options are:

1. Stand up for yourself (call them out on their games and don’t back down)

2. Find another job

Jonathan Littman has similar advice and writes about 10 other types of co-workers that damage your piece-of-mind and your career in “10 Least Wanted Co-Workers“.

Keep in mind a big factor that causes people to behave in inappropriate ways is the company itself and how well it may or may not be doing. If the work atmosphere is one of fear and fierce competition, you may find more than one co-worker that’ll threaten your job and career. Be careful.

What type of co-workers do you find torturing and career-threatening? Post it here.

Artie get grilled with Mrs. Frederic (CCH Pounder) in "Warehouse 13"

For some, undergoing an annual review can be like facing the judges on “Top Chef” or any other reality competition show of your choice. On the latest episode of “Warehouse 13″, Artie takes a bold approach to a surprise review meeting with warehouse management called the “Regents”. With some documentation and some open communication, you can ace your review meeting with your pride and career intact.

In “Breakdown“, Pete and Myka are left to watch the warehouse while Artie runs an administrative errand. While on that errand, he’s invited to a meeting with Mrs. Frederic (played by CCH Pounder). The meeting turns out to be a surprise performance review of Artie, by the mysterious governing body of the warehouse called the “Regents”. As Artie is being grilled, he figures out the reason behind the meeting is their fear of Macpherson, a rogue ex-warehouse agent introduced in “Implosion“. Artie declares in a not-so-subtle way that the only way to stop Macpherson is to let him do his job. Although it would be nice to stick it to your manager on just how valuable you are to your company, there is a nicer, more PC way to do it.

Make Your Case

Patrick Erwin shares some simple tips to tackle your annual review in “Do You Panic at Review Time?“. Erwin writes that you should document the work you’ve been doing as well as your accomplishments to ensure that your manager hasn’t overlooked anything.

Evaluate Yourself

Erwin also writes you should be assessing yourself and taking steps to improve your performance from one review to the next.

Communicate with Your Boss

Finally, Erwin writes that you can take the edge off the fear of reviews by getting constant feedback from your boss or manager between review periods. They can give you guidance on how to improve and you can keep them on the same page as far what you’ve done and accomplished.

I’ve had my fair share of reviews myself, and I can say things go much better when you and your boss are on the same page. If you have regular contact with your boss, keep them posted on what you’re doing and getting guidance from them on what you should be doing, there won’t be any surprises during review time. It’s pretty tough to be a valuable contributor to your company if you don’t tell anyone what you’re doing, nor can you be a valuable contributor if your boss isn’t giving you any feedback on how to be more valuable to them or the company.

Any tips for surviving performance reviews? Post it here.