Hope That Works Out For You
One of the challenges in taking a new job is learning how your co-workers and various bosses are. For bosses, learning their styles is the first hurdle. Similar to a new professor in college, a person who wishes to succeed must adapt to the style of the boss in order to be successful.
Recently I discussed my boss and how he has been reading the Bible at work. While I find it odd that a person would read the Bible at work, this bothers me very little. Only because he does not discuss it and only reads it in his office. I also find it peculiar that a man who claims to never read decides this is it. This is the one book.
Now his boss is in another state. I’ve only interacted with him over the phone. I’ve been told he’s a big guy and he definitely has a big voice. One of these people I’ve met before who yells when things are quite right. A first class bully.
Well, over the last few weeks, this man I’ve never met has been noticeably calmer. Only it’s attempted calmness. It’s forced. It’s killing him. I’ve commented to my boss that I think he’s on Prozac.
A few days after the post regarding my boss reading the Bible, this interaction happened over the phone. My boss always talks to everybody on speaker… except his wife. For clarity’s sake, if I’m infinity, my boss will be pi and his boss will be zero. I’ve eliminated quotes for the story, since some of it is not quotes.
Calmly, Zero began talking about how all we can do is what we can do. Calmly is not Zero’s style. As I stand there listening to the conversation, I mouth the word “prozac” to Pi.
Pi speaks up. We have a question, he says, You’ve been calm lately. Are you taking Prozac or something?”
No, a slightly agitated Zero says. I’ve been going to church more. I figure if I have more faith, my customers can see it and will like me more. So that’s what it is, if you must know.
I must of had a look of disbelief. Maybe annoyance as well.
Pi asked, what religion.
Quickly, Zero snapped, Christian. And I’m not Wiccan or one of those crazy Christian extremists that are running around.
OK, I had to ask. What kind? asked Pi.
I used to go to an Evangelical church, but now I go to a Crossroads church. My preacher is really good. Is on T.V. and the radio.
I know I am shaking my head. I can’t help myself.
Infinity is a practicing atheist, says Pi. There it was, he announced it. I’m not afraid of people knowing, I just don’t want some people knowing. Especially when they are bullies that are over me.
He is not, said Zero.
Well, he knows a lot about all religions, and I mean a lot, but doesn’t practice any, said Pi
He is not- are you? Are you an atheist, Infinity? queried Zero after a bit of a pause.
I answered, Yes I am.
I hope that works out for you, replied Zero.
I thought of many ways to answer this. Confrontational is how I prefer to go. Many answers to somebody suggesting I’ll get mine on judgment day. I decided to stay calm.
So far so good.
A knowing chuckle from Zero and then business finished. Back to business.
Later I had to call Zero’s office. I knew he wouldn’t be there. I talked to the guy who does my job for Zero. See Zero had called me on my cell phone and asked I call the office.
Hey, Zero needs you to call him.
Oh, I must have left my phone in the car. Slight pause. Maybe if he prays hard enough, I’ll hear it.
I learned a ton from this conversation. Apparently Zero got in trouble with his wife. That prompted him to go to church regularly and really drive the chatter home. He brought in his radio and listens to his really good preacher with it blasted all day. He’s driving everybody nuts.
Another reason why religion doesn’t belong in the office. And if it doesn’t belong in the office, then it doesn’t belong anywhere public- especially the government.
People like Zero have no tolerance for anybody else and their way. I’m waiting to see if this has an impact on how he treats me or deals with me in the future.
The truth is, I have a tried and tested philosophy. My wife accepts it and believes the same as I do. Zero has to change focus because he gets in trouble. In reality, he’s still the same guy holding back how he really wants to treat people. He’ll likely explode one day or just revert back to his old ways.
As his person told me, going to church doesn’t change who you are.
I hope that works out for him.
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