Wild West Workplace: Taming the Chaos in Your Office

Is Your Organisation Like the Wild West? Saddle Up, Partner: The Wild West Chronicles of Your Office.

Have you ever watched a Western on TV and noticed an uncanny resemblance between your office and the movie? You might not see tumbleweeds rolling around—unless you’re in a meeting where no one responds to your questions—but the way things are run might remind you of a chaotic town full of outlaw coworkers chasing the next gold rush and ignoring the rules.

Lets take a look at seven signs that your next meeting might go off like the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

1. The Sheriff (aka The Boss)

The sheriff often plays a significant role in popular Westerns, and the boss, who might seem like a sheriff, could either be a hero willing to protect their department from all sorts of trouble or a low-down mean dog capitalizing on others' misery. Bosses can certainly share attributes with a sheriff, either by seeking out the bad actors in the company, rounding them up, and laying down the law to improve everyone's well-being, or by leading a posse of ruthless enforcers, ruling by fear in a toxic environment, and making profits at the expense of others.

It's important to spot this behavior early on when you enter this new town environment. Decide if you want to join the gang of hoodlums or become a hero who stands up for your colleagues and tries to change the toxic culture. But don't forget, if you're outnumbered by many, you might find yourself being ridden out of town with a P45.

2. The Outlaws (aka The Disruptive Colleagues)

Every office has its fair share of outlaws—the ones who seem to live by their own rules. They take extended coffee breaks, conveniently "forget" to respond to emails, and always seem to be absent during critical moments. They're the Jesse James or Billy the Kid of the corporate world, coming in all types of traits. Some outlaws are clever and conniving, willing to lasso a few coworkers into their posse to wreak havoc at social gatherings. Others are lone outlaws, aiming to make a quick buck without going the extra mile. These particular outlaws may drift in and out of the organization or be driven out depending on how far they go in breaking the rules. Some of them are the most wanted simply for being gotten rid of.

Keep away from these types of coworkers if you can help it, as they will only bring you down with them. Getting rounded up into the HR Jailhouse will affect your career or even get you fired, forcing you to start all over again in another organization.

3. The Saloon (aka The Break Room)

Your organization might have several saloon bars, such as a unique break room, the kitchen, or even smaller meeting rooms. The vape shelter outside the office could also be another place where all sorts of cowboys and cowgirls socialize. These places are where deals are struck, gossip is shared, and secrets are revealed, helping to identify the real villains and heroes within the organization.

The best advice is to not say too much but keep your ears open to stay up to date with the office politics and to know who might be the next to face the redundancy gallows.

4. The Gold Rush (aka The Big Project)

Just like prospectors panning for gold, it's important to be successful in your job and meet expectations. Finding the right contacts or team can be like digging for gold in the desert. Not everyone will strike it rich; some will always be stuck in their standard jobs, like herding cattle, rather than smoking fat cigars with the money makers at the top.

Work your hardest if you believe it will lead to your best interests. Find the right leaders in your organization and see if you can work with them and make yourself known. Be optimistic and show your true worth.

5. The Frontier Justice (aka Office Politics)

In the Wild West, justice was delivered quickly and often unjustly. Similarly, office politics can be equally ruthless. The forming of alliances, acts of betrayal, and hushed discussions in the corridors—it's like being in a spaghetti western, only without the iconic soundtrack.

Exploring these dangerous waters with your wits intact. Consider carrying a mock badge, just in case you need to assume the role of an enforcer and administer some personal justice.

6. Folks From Out Of Town (aka Consultants)

Sometimes a new face will stroll into the office, but they are strangers who only stay a short time, and when their contract is up, they are gone. Consultants are called in like bounty hunters to help on various projects. Some are ruthless and happy to accept a hefty fee to botch a new project. Others you might like and get attached to, but sometimes the organization isn’t for them, and they have to ride off onto a new adventure.

Knowing a good consultant can be a valuable contact to keep, especially if you need to call them back for more business. Make sure with any new consultant that expectations are clear and whatever is in the contract has been agreed upon, as they can be a costly part of the business.

7. The Jailhouse ( aka Human Resources)

In the Wild West of your office, Human Resources (HR) is the equivalent of the local jailhouse. It's where troublemakers are sent to serve their time and where disputes are settled. Just like the jailhouse, HR handles the rowdy employees who break the rules or stir up trouble. It's the place where new recruits are processed, grievances are aired, and sometimes where the sheriff (your boss) sends outlaws (disruptive colleagues) for a stern talking-to. HR might not have bars on the windows, but when you get called in for a chat, it can sure feel like you've been locked up.

Remember to stay on their good side, because in the Wild West of your office, they're the ones holding the keys to your freedom—and your sanity!

Wrangling Your Office Back to Sanity

If your office sounds like the Wild West, don't worry—you’re not alone. Embrace the chaos with a sense of humor and a firm hand on the reins. Many organizations are in the same situation, so it's not worth taking things to heart. Some herds don't always make it across a vast terrain, but small steps can lead to big changes.

After all, every cowboy and cowgirl knows that sometimes, you just have to saddle up and ride it out.