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Tan works for a MNC as an assistant under the regional director. Being the talkative, he has no problems becoming good friends with his boss. The boss even promised him that if he is promoted to other positions, he will bring along Tan. Now Tan, with the boss at his back, became arrogant and use this power to boss his co-workers.

Unfortunately, it didn't last for poor Tan. The boss was promoted and moved to Shanghai. But he did not bring Tan along. The new regional director is an old rival of Tan and he hired a fresh graduate as his assistant. Tan was brushed aside to a corner. Under the new reign however, sales suffered. Clients just do not trust the new boss and his inexperienced assistant. Tan, who has the gift of the tongue, was the one that pulled in clients and keep them satisfied.

How can the new boss salvage the situation? He has his own pride and as Tan's rival, he just cannot bring himself to approach Tan for help. But if he doesn't do it, he face the wrath of his own boss. Tan, of course, being a selfish one, will not help and rather sit in the corner and watch.

The rest of the office is too scared to step onto this powder keg. What do you think can be done?

The first

We humans have come far on this tiny planet we call home. From our early ancestors who said stuff like "Me Tarzan, you Jane" to the present "Michelle ma belle, Sont les mots qui vont très bien ensemble Tres bien ensemble", our language has advanced: even though the intent is the same, we require more words now. It is more important than ever to have skills to express yourself clearly and not be misunderstood.

Most, if not all, of us will one day enter the working adult world of endless toil and thankless bosses. With backstabbing colleagues smiling at you, it becomes necessary to arm yourself with proper weapons. Since poisoning or using direct violence against co-workers are frowned upon in today's society (oh back in the good old days), we can only make use of our most basic weapons: our minds and wits.

To stand strong in the web of interoffice relationships, we need good people skills. Adding to the difficulty is the multi-cultural melting pot that are most companies these days.




Effective communication skills are essential to accomplish that. To understand and be understood, to impress but not intimidate, to take charge but not appear aggressive, to give ideas but not appear ambitious. In short, keep your boss happy, but keep your colleagues unwary.

P.S Picture taken from http://www.cultureresourcecentre.com.au/culturalcolumns.html