Welcome to the Game of Work: How to Play (2nd in Series)

I like to compare rules of social institutions to board games. It helps me to remember that I must play by their rules to succeed on their grounds, do well for myself while ensnared in their trap. This is the basis for my new pieces on the work game.

My first post on this series was the players in the game of work. You can find that here. This post is about how to play the game. To play a game to win you must be clear on your objective and it is not the same for everyone. Below are some examples of work goals that influence how you play the work game.

• To make money $ - find position with good payment system; salary position

• To be challenged- find fulfilling work

• Find better position – find a job then transfer to a better position and department

• Benefits- find jobs with good health care, discounts, sick days, etc

• Free or reduced college education – find a job that pays for education of employees

      

The Work Game: Players

This is the first post in a series that I call ‘The Work Game’. I will compare corporate employment to a board game, but on a sociological level. Please enjoy.

A game need players and this one is no exception. The difference is that not all players are equal in pay, influence or respect. The players of the game are: you, co-workers, your boss, boss man (or woman). To set-up our game, we will describe the players. I am purposefully omitting you, because most people can figure out where they fit.

Blog post - The Kim Kardashian Work Plan for Real Folks

Co-workers

• Work in your department or their job is connected to yours. An example: At McDonalds. The cooks in the back affect the job of the cash register when customers do not receive their food. They become impatient and sometimes mean to the cashier.

Influencers

• Do not work in your department, but comments made (good or bad) alter the way your boss or boss man treats you.
• Many times these are the nosy people that should mind their own business

Your boss

• Tells you what to do
• Oversees time-off requests, evaluations and raises
• Might not have any real power except over you (Be careful a power trip may ensue and they could be intimidated by you)

Boss man (or woman)

• Possess real authority, 'person to impress'
• Gets things done
• Often very, busy (not a paper shuffler)