I just need a good vent!!!!!

[FramboiseCoulis]

I'm trying to be zen.
I love my job, am in education. But i work with such difficult people (managers) who are all in it to protect themselves. I am supposed to be the link, bringing them together but they just don't coorporate.
I just don't know what to do anyomre. I've tried the collaborative approach, trying to create a sense of team spirit, trying to motivate, reward, match people to competences... but they all continue work in isolation instead of together, blaming everyone but themselves when things go wrong..

I'm so demoralised by it all.

They are all french by the way, and I hate to admit it, but I think that's the root of the problem!

oh poor me!

any ideas how to deal with the stiuation? We have yearly team gatherings, usually south of france, eveyrone promises to cooperate, then they all go back to their own little worlds. argh!!

If that's the culture then there is little chance of it changing unless it filters down from the top.

You are doing your best with a difficult team. I think you need to make that your mantra.

Sorry, nothing better to add.

It's like Groundhog Day with some people isn't it? Just when you think you're getting somewhere....

I feel your pain OP 5 months into my current role and some days I think I've cracked it and others I wonder if I've been talking to myself or if I had the conversation at all. Vent away

I totally sympathise! Having worked with French teams before I know it can be very frustrating!

The root of your problem is not the others being French, it's cultural difference. Might intercultural training be the solution?

As the snowboarders say, 'Hang it'.

Start leaving copies of any French cultural books around and acting like you shouldn't be there (ie, full of contempt for everyone and everything around you). The Stephen Clarke, 'Merde' books are great for a laugh, too.