THE workplace is where you spend most of your waking hours, and as such the time spent should not only be productive but enjoyable.

There are persons, however, who dread going to work not because of the high-stress nature of the job, but because they have to interact with individuals at the workplace whose agenda it is to make life a living hell.

It would appear that while the rest of us put on our uni-forms/working clothes ready for a good day at work, these people put on their battle gear and their war paint ready for combat. They are convinced in their minds that they are God's gift to the company/ institution and that they have the sole right to belittle and intimidate everyone - particularly those who are lower in rank or position.

These power-crazy people would tell you that the workplace is not a place for cowards and wimps, and that it is quite in order for them to shout at you or use expletives in order for them to fully express themselves. Whereas one would agree that the place of work is for mature adults, it is for the same reason that adults should not be treated like children and should be accorded the respect that an adult deserves, regardless of one's emotional and psychological fortitude or lack thereof.

The truth is, the people who behave in this aggressive manner are themselves lacking in self-confidence, and need to affirm themselves by victimising others. They are emotionally and psychologi-cally insecure and most times feel threatened by the very same people they disparage on a daily basis. Most (if not all) of them have anger management issues. They have not learned or refuse to learn the art of self-control, and so unleash their anger however and whenever they desire.

The victims of the onslaught are usually emotionally crushed as they feel themselves less of a person and more like an animal or a child. No human being likes to be humiliated or embarrassed. The human reaction is to retaliate. Some will react in like manner and run the risk of losing their jobs, while others will endure the indignity meted out to them. But like a pressure cooker, they will explode when the internal pressure becomes too great to endure.

A word to the power-crazy people in the workplace: the autocratic leadership style went through the window many decades ago, so get with it. Your workers or co-workers possess not only technical skills (just like you), but they also possess a sense of dignity (just like you) that must be guarded and respected.

Treat your colleagues, regardless of their rank/position in the organisation, with courtesy and respect, and avoid this ego-inflating exercise that like a gas balloon will rise for a while, but MUST inevitably fall. Sometimes the fall can be detrimental. Incidentally, 'nyamming' up yourself like that is not good for your health. When was the last time you checked your blood pressure?

Wayne A Powell is a human resource practitioner. He may be contacted at crisscounsellor@yahoo.com

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'

Cheeky's World