Re: Challenging and oppressive SME situation

["Nagai, Paul" <pnagai -at- VISA -dot- COM>]

First, as it sounds like you already have begun to do, document
everything. Assignments, ad-hoc requests, and interactions, especially
with your management and the SME. Print and save e-mail. Take notes on
phone and face-to-face conversations. Keep copies of all of this
documentation offsite. This is, unfortunately, often the only "defense"
in a situation like this ... who said what to whom and when. Notes will
enhance your position, should you find yourself in one more
uncomfortable than the one you're already in.

Second, consider contacting your company's employee assistance program.
Frequently these organizations will provide confidential* coaching for
"company politics" situations like the one you're in. If they are
willing to do so, this often provides you (indirectly, perhaps)
emotional support, specific policy advice, and, often, someone who
understands company culture.

*Confidentiality at corporate EAP programs is not necessarily as tight
as doctor-patient confidentiality. Ask about confidentiality before you
proceed too far. Weigh any response carefully against what you hear "on
the grapevine." Be careful to phrase your request for assistance in
non-psychological, non-emotional terms, unless you really intend to
request that sort of help.

Talking with your manager, his/her manager, Human Resources, the SME ...
may or may not be appropriate, productive, etc. Unfortunately, even if
you're "right," that doesn't always matter in the corporate world.
Proceed with caution!

------
Paul Nagai


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