Snapshots~"Issues in the work place."

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

                                             


“Napoleon, I do not understand this place at times?” Illya pondered as they walked together, heading towards their office amidst other personnel scurrying along the busy UNCLE corridor.

“Why’s that?”

“It is supposed to be the land of the free is it not?”

“Not supposed to be, it is.”

“Not from my point of view.”

Solo stopped, staring at his partner. “Okay, you need to explain that please?”

“Your freedom of speech for instance... yes, you can state your opinion, yet you are set upon by those who think their ideas and belief systems supercede your own. It is a very one-sided attitude, and to me a form of bullying. I thought I left that sort of thing back in the Soviet Union.”

Napoleon squinted one eye at the Russian. “What happened?”

Kuryakin lowered his voice not wanting other to hear,”There is a man in Research and Development, a project leader, who holds a very high opinion of his himself and his own point of view. He has an obvious lack of good will toward people such as myself whose opinions diverge from his. A number of others who work for him seem to feel the need to imitate his prejudices, especially if the one voicing the opinion is a ‘foreigner.’  I suppose those of us who were not born here have not blended enough to suit their standards.”

“Really?” Napoleon was surprised at what he was hearing.

“It amazes me how some of them kowtow to his every whim. They’ve seemingly put him on a pedestal of sorts and are blissfully unaware he is in reality, self-serving, and is using them to gratify his rather large ego. They are caught up in a delusion, as if association with this man makes them feel more important. It is a very strange symbiotic relationship of sorts.”

“Not a very comfortable situation for you chum. Does his and their behavior affect their work or yours for that matter?”

“I am not involved in their projects per se, but have observed their output is adequate... nothing I would call outstanding. I keep to myself and concentrate on my own work as it is less confrontational and they rarely ask for my assistance with their work.  Yet, mind you, they exert themselves on any topic, usually unsolicited, and not just regarding scientific endeavors.  There are a few others in the lab who I can chat with periodically, usually out of earshot from the...well, naysayers, for lack of a better term.  I can live with it but I have observed those who have also experienced problems have become more withdrawn. They have to deal with it on a daily basis, where as I come and go.”

Napoleon raised an eyebrow, slapping a reassuring hand on his partner’s shoulder.

“What can I say, there’s a lot of people who are so egocentric, they can’t see and accept another’s view.  Only their way of thinking is valid, and nothing else matters. It’s a shame they influence others”.

“Precisely!” Illya became very animated. ”It is most perplexing. Should not everyone have a right to their opinions, and to voice them, and should they not be acknowledged and treated with respect even if they differ?

“Yes that’s the way it supposed to be, but when it comes to ones as you described, they won’t listen to reason, as their point of view is what’s preeminent.”  Solo and his partner turned a corner, heading to the elevator. “What about the Section head, is he aware of this?”

“I do not think so, as the man is usually occupied in his office and rarely hears the conversations going on in the lab.  He only emerges for updates on the work,” Illya shrugged.

“I  can do something about this if you want me to. Who is this lab rat anyway, sounds like someone who hasn’t embraced the ideals of U.N.C.L.E. and is infecting others with his bad attitude. He might be in need of some counseling,” Napoleons brow furrowed.

“I would rather not say as it is better to just let sleeping dogs lie,” Illya said. “I have become accustomed to dealing with him, though I suppose those such as he, alienates more people than he garners to his little entourage.”

“Fair enough; but if things escalate, let me know Illya. Those kind of people live in their own little world of ignorance; eventually reality it catches up with them and things fall apart when people...good people cop on to the game-playing and machinations.”  Napoleon paused, “ I won’t pursue the matter on your say so, just as long he doesn’t ramp things up or if the work doesn’t become shoddy.”

“Thank you Napoleon. I feel much better now, getting it off my chest helped...so much so that I am ready for lunch.” The Russian grinned.

“Tovarisch, you’re always ready for lunch,” Solo chuckled.

Inspite of what he’d said about not pursuing the issue, Napoleon planned do a little investigating of his own to keep himself abreast of the situation. When and if the time came for counseling or perhaps dismissal, he’d have a file ready to go. As CEA it was his duty to monitor such goings on. In the meantime, he’d see to it the Section head got out of his office more often.

In spite of Illya protestations, he’d always have his friend’s back whether he liked it or not

There were only so many things that would be permitted to slide within the Command, under the understanding the staff was simply human, with human frailties. Still, everyone had the right to work in an environment free of intolerance.  Solo would see to it eventually, if not for the sake of his partner, but for others as well.

Waverly wouldn’t be too pleased to hear about this sort of thing going on, though the CEA wouldn’t be surprised if the Old Man didn’t know about it already and was  formulating his own solution, one that might not be too kind.

Napoleon snickered, suspecting the ring leader could easily find himself transferred to an UNCLE research facility in Antarctica in the blink of an eye, where he’d have a difficult time bullying penguins.

Comments

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

I like that Illya, as the 'foreigner', is the one whose tolerance leads the way to a peaceful or at least non-confrontational path. Well told tale.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

There's always been stories out there of Illya experiencing prejudice because he's a Soviet, but I thought those issues would have been experienced by others as well. There was an underlying fear of foreigners in that time period.

Just like him to bear the burden and not make waves. Though Napoleon will take care of it, like he always does, unless Waverly beats him to the punch.

Thanks for commenting.