The Crusty PITA at Work
Crusty PITAs show their faces in many different work situations: individual meetings, staff meetings, and committees (or project teams) to name a few. Because crusty PITAs often rear their heads in committee meetings, the following scenario illustrates the dynamics of a crusty PITA, Albert, as he serves on an office-wide committee trying to plan the year-end retreat.
Co-workers from 10 different work units were asked to serve on the Retreat Planning Committee. In forming this committee, the CEO was hoping to get a diversity of perspectives to shape the retreat in a healthy way, receive “buy-in” across work units, and build team morale across work units.
Albert, an accountant, doesn‟t get out much, and that‟s just fine by him. He generally feels that socials and retreats are a waste of time and money. His supervisor, Allie, thought that it would be good for Albert to mix with some colleagues from other departments. So she asked Albert to serve on the committee.
During the first committee meeting, the other members began brainstorming ideas for the year-end retreat. Everything from boat races to bowling to pig roasts was put on the table as possible retreat activities. There was a lot of creative, positive energy surrounding the discussion. Albert sat quietly, looking down most of the time. Finally, near the end of the meeting, one of the members asked Albert what he thought, and Albert replied, “I don‟t see how any of this will help us improve as a company. I think our hard-earned money could be spent on more useful things than pig roasts and rowboats. Why don‟t they spend that money to pay us better?”
When the meeting ended, Albert quickly returned to his office to get back to work. One of Albert‟s co-workers, Randy, asked him how the meeting went. Albert replied, “It was a waste of my time. I could have gotten my report done, but instead I had to listen to a bunch of blowhards talk about bowling and pig roasts. It‟s amazing that we don‟t have money for a better copier, but we can rent out the entire bowling alley for everybody. If we go through with this, I‟m going to give our CEO a piece of my mind, „cause this is a waste of money!”
After Albert arbitrarily blew off the second and third planning meetings, the Retreat Committee Chairperson called Allie to see whether Albert would be joining the committee for the next meeting. Allie was angry with Albert, feeling as though he was disrespectful to her and the work unit by taking it upon himself to blow off the meetings. She confronted Albert in his office, demanding an explanation. Albert responded, “I have a pile of work that has to get done. I don‟t have time to be planning pig roasts.”
Allie shut the office door and gave Albert a tongue lashing, explaining that he represents their entire work unit and that his decision to not attend the meetings made the whole unit look bad. Allie stormed out of the office after laying out clear expectations to attend the remaining committee meetings. Albert sat with his head down and didn‟t say anything.
Feeling the need to vent, Albert went over to Randy‟s desk and verbally blasted Allie behind her back, stating that she‟s “an idiot who has to kiss the CEO‟s butt all the time.” Randy, a younger and newer employee, tries to avoid Albert‟s frequent tirades, but it‟s easier said than done. He doesn‟t want to make any waves, so he chooses to listen neutrally. But lately Albert has started to get to him. He‟s uncomfortable with how loud Albert is at times, and is afraid other co-workers will overhear him blasting Allie. Randy recently began talking to his wife about Albert, wondering what he should do about the situation.
Albert unwillingly attended the remaining three meetings, sitting quietly with a scowl on his face. He went through the motions and did as little as possible, while never volunteering or initiating any thoughts or ideas. Without his input, the committee eventually decided to go with the boat race idea.
During the retreat, Allie had a chance to talk to the chairperson of the retreat committee regarding Albert‟s participation. Not surprisingly, the chairperson didn‟t speak favorably about Albert‟s attitude and involvement. Allie shook her head and flailed her arms in disgust. Albert‟s behavior and attitude put a damper on what should have been a fun and rewarding day for her and everyone else.
