Workplace Behavior

Professional Development

Lesson Five

Workplace Behavior and the OODA Loop

1.  People come in different sizes, shapes, skin tones, and attitudes.  They also come from different backgrounds and life experiences.  Because of this, people tend to have unique perspectives about how they, and sometimes you, should live and act around them.  Of course this is not always the case, because there are those who don’t project their personal views onto others, or bring them to the job.  Unfortunately, these people are few and far between but they do exist.

2.  So, should you be overly concerned about this type of thing?  No, not really. What you do need to know is that the workplace environment can at times, be just as silly and confusing as high school relationships, groups, and cliques.  Not to mention the fact, that you may be judged by the types of people we talked about earlier in paragraph one.  In order to remain competitive and professional in any type of environment, you must exercise discipline and strict self-control to ensure you present the very best persona (remember that word?) that you can.  It may sound difficult but it’s really not that hard.

3.  To help you with this, there is a phrase I want you to embrace and remember.  Actually it’s an acronym that sounds strange and maybe even funny, but it really does help.  The phrase is OODA Loop (pronounced: OO-DAH Loop), and it stands for the following:

a. O: Observe.

b. O: Orient.

c. D: Decide.

d. A: Act.

4.  Now that you know what the phrase and acronym stands for.  We’ll explore the application of it to the workplace or jobsite.  When you enter into any new environment there will always be those that were there before you.  These folks will already have a working relationship (either good or bad) and a particular idea of how things should be done.  Remember, your job is to make money, get promoted, and provide security for you and whomever else you may be responsible for.  You are not there to get caught up in someone else’s drama and nonsense.  By practicing the tenets of the OODA Loop you will be able to avoid the pitfalls that so many new employees manage to fall into. Before we get started though, there are some things you must remember:

a. Treat everyone as you want to be treated.

b. Never, ever indulge in workplace gossip.

c. Never bad mouth the boss or other employees.

d. Maintain a pleasant disposition.

e. Leave your personal problems at home (see ‘b’ above).

5.  We said we’d discuss the OODA Loop, so let’s discuss it.  Okay, you’ve landed the job you applied for and tomorrow will be the big day.  Regardless of what you’re going to do, you’ll either report to the training branch first, or roll those sleeves up and get right into it.  However it happens; there will almost always be introductions, questions, observations, and comments.  You are now in the Observe portion of the OODA Loop.  This is a feeling out period for you as you learn the job, meet new people and field nosy questions about your personal business, as well as listen to comments made by and about other employees.  There is no set time for how long this period lasts but rest assured it will happen.  During this time period it is vitally important for you to exercise those traits we talked about in Paragraph 4. This is the time period where you remain pleaseant and quiet while learning your job and observing those around you.

6.  During this time you should ask yourself questions like:  If I need help who can I go to that really seems knowledgeable?  Who seems to be chatty and gossipy, never gets anything done, seems to be in everyone else’s business, and is therefore someone I should avoid?  Some additional things to be concerned about are specific to you, things like:  Is there an employee handbook and do you know what’s in it?  More importantly, are you in compliance with what’s in the employee handbook?  If not, what do you need to do to get there?  Are you arriving at work on time and actually prepared to work.  Remember, arriving at work on time does not mean running through the employee entrance with barely any time to spare and clocking in seconds before the big hand roles over into the red zone.  Arriving at work on time and prepared to work means getting there at least 15 minutes before you are supposed to, completely dressed, and waiting to get your day started.  And no, that does not mean starting off your work day by clocking in and then grabbing a smoke or running off to the bathroom to do whatever.  It means hitting that clock and getting in there and earning that paycheck.

7.  As we said at the beginning of this lesson, people view life differently, and because of these differences or unique life experiences they are subject to all types of strange behavior.  Regardless of those differences most people share a common bond or trait and that is their need to talk about other people. You and I have already said that’s a useless endeavor and that you should not engage in it.  But during all phases of the OODA Loop you will be talked about, so since you cannot avoid it.  The best you can do is to project the persona of a quiet (they’ll say stuck-up) and dedicated business professional.  You do this by not engaging in the negative behavior you’ve witnessed during the Observe period of the OODA Loop.  However, when you see positive behavior that impresses you (perhaps it’s the way someone answers the phone, or handles themselves under stress, or the way they communicate with others) file it away in your personal bag of tools to be used later.  So if people are going to talk (which you cannot be concerned with) let it be for things that involve your level of professionalism and not personal problems.  I know it must seem like we’re skimming over things but we only have so much time and so much space to discuss a very important topic.  Let’s try a short quiz to see if any of this makes sense to you.

You’re still in the Observe phase and Employee A, stops by your area, sits down uninvited and begins a running conversation which he or she ends by telling you that the boss has breath that smells like rotten deviled eggs.  This person then asks you if you’ve noticed the bad breath and what is your opinion on it.  Select your option(s) below:

a. Listen to the story, then thank the employee for stopping by but inform him or her pleasantly but firmly that you’re swamped and you really need to get back to work..

b. Listen to the story long enough to get an idea of where it’s going, then cut your acquaintance off in mid-sentence by excusing yourself and going to the restroom.

c. Listen to the story and then add your own ending: “Whew, rotten eggs?  It’s not the boss’s breath that’s bad, it’s his teeth.  They’re so brown they look like little baked beans!”  Then you both share a loud laugh.

d. A combination of a and b.

The correct answer is ‘d.’ Regardless of the actual method you choose to stop this type of behavior and discourage Employee A from taking up your valuable time.  The bottom line is that you cannot engage in it.

8.  Due to people being what they are, you will always find factions and cliques wherever you find more than two people.  The workplace is no different.  You will find groups that like the boss and those that don’t.  You will find hard workers and those that are lazy.  There are groups of color and race.  And of course the group or groups that make everyone’s life miserable by spreading gossip and innuendo.  Don’t get caught up in this drama but do look for it during the Observe phase of the OODA Loop, and be aware that people are also observing you to see what group you fit into.  Surprise them, fit into YOUR group by resisting this type of behavior and learning your job and doing it better than anyone else.

9.  The next step is to Orient yourself to your environment.  If you used the Observe phase correctly then you’ve already determined what’s going on around you.  Now you need to make sure your behavior is such that you avoid the nonsense and concentrate on getting your work done and becoming comfortable (yet professional) in your environment.  By now you should know, or have a very good idea of, things like: how long it takes you to get to work in heavy and light traffic, in good weather and bad, who your customers are, how the boss conducts business, who can and cannot be of help on the job, who you should avoid and who is not a problem.  So, since you know all of these things are you ready for another quiz?  Here it is:

You’re in the Orient phase of the loop and you have a question that requires an answer.  However, your supervisor is not around but you do have two choices.  You can ask Employee B the question and get the answer, knowing that Employee B likes to strut around telling people how he had to answer a “Simple little question for so and so.” Or, you can go to the employee’s electronic training database and research the question and answer for yourself. Select your option(s) below:

a. You slowly head over to where Employee B is sitting with a group of people who are gossiping about a fellow employee; knowing that they will laugh and talk about you once you leave because Employee B had to answer a simple question.

b. You wait for your supervisor to return.

c. You access the electronic employee training database and research the question and answer for yourself.

d. You do nothing.

The correct answer is ‘c.’ If you remember the concept of P.O.W.E.R that we discussed previously, then you know why ‘c’ is the right answer.  If you’re just getting here or stopped in for a quick read, then I ask that you go back and read the first four lessons then return to this lesson to take the quiz.

10.  Ready to see how the Decide portion of the OODA Loop works?  Here we go.  You’ve moved through the first two phases and you’re now ready to decide.  Decide on what?  It depends on your unique situation but the choices are not limited to the ones we’re about to discuss. You may have to decide on whether or not the job is right for you.  Or you may have decided that since you’ve figured out what’s going on around you that you will not conduct yourself like some of those you work with.  You may have also decided that this is where you want to be and you will make an effort to apply yourself on a daily basis and be the best (fill in the blank space) that you can be.  This could also mean that you’ve decided what you want the rest of your life to look like, so you’ve begun making plans to accomplish the goals to make that a reality.

11.  The last part of the loop is to Act, and that means to act on all of the things you’ve observed, those things which required orientation, and plans or ideas upon which you have decided.  This may mean that you will ensure you get to work on time, mind your business while conducting yourself in a professional manner, and develop a life plan that allows you to change jobs in the next 18-months.  Regardless of what conclusions you have reached the idea is to put them into action and practice them on a continual basis.  I want you to understand that the things we discussed in this lesson do not mean you cannot have friends in the workplace or enjoy yourself.  What it does mean, is that you have to choose your friends wisely and never engage in horseplay or any other activity that is counterproductive.  Why?  Because whenever something goes wrong or the finger of guilt needs to be pointed at someone, it’s usually always pointed at those that just got there.  You never want to be that person!

12.  Before we finish this lesson, let’s talk about something that is rather unpleasant but important just the same.  We need to discuss what to do if you get terminated.  First of all you should go into any job with the idea that you could be terminated for any reason (you just need to make sure it’s not for something you did or did not do).  Many jobs have probationary periods where you can be terminated for just about anything.  Some companies even use this clause to terminate employees they should not have hired because they didn’t have the money to pay them or they want to use the money elsewhere (like opening another store). Knowing this does not make termination any easier but you are not powerless, there are things you can do.  First of all, try your best to put your first three paychecks in the bank and don’t touch them.  These are your fall back funds if you need to change jobs.  The next thing to do is update your resume (remember Lesson Four), with the current information from the new job and begin actively searching for or making yourself aware of other jobs that fit your skillset.  You may not interview for them but you do need to be aware of them.  An old saying that has been around for years (thus it is an old saying) goes something like this: “I was looking for a job when I found this one.”

13.  All this means is that you’re never caught flat-footed or unprepared when it comes to staying employed.  And as a teenager or young person in today’s job market you always have to be better prepared than the person next to you.  So what happens if you do get terminated?  Take it gracefully, do not get emotional or destroy things, and remember to turn in anything the company issued and wants back in good condition.  Keep your head up, and walk out the same way you walked into the job; with dignity and pride.  Always leave on good terms.

Conclusion:  I know this lesson was longer than others but hopefully it was relevant and on-target.  Remember, the OODA Loop is a decision making process that you can refer to or use for business situations as well as  everyday life; and it’s free!  Please let me know if this lesson helped you,  leave a positive comment or a “why this doesn’t work” critique on the site.

Very Respectfully

Ronald Peeler

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