The Microwave Confrontation

In the midst of the production floor, a day does not go by where a scandal or altercation does not occur. It doesn't matter who the people involved are, or how closely they work together, what does matter is that someone, anyone, will invariably be upset with anything that you do.

For days Sophia and I have been talking about a mini microwave that Sophia had had in her garage, one that she felt would be perfect for the area. I had felt it was a kind gesture, and, in this line of business, a kind gesture is always accompanied by a slap in the face.

This would be no exception.

Trying to be as low key and tactful as possible, Sophia waited until lunch time to sneak in the microwave. The last thing an area needs is to be viewed as 'better then' or 'above' the rest of the production floor. Any area that feels themselves to be of this status is systematically degraded until they are once again just as low as the rest.

Unfortunately, the sneak and heat plan of attack went down in a blazing mess of controversy. No sooner had Sophia left her vehicle then a member of the receiving team unceremoniously hopped out of her car, hand on hip, demanding Sophia fill her in on how she was able to talk her way into a microwave in the area.

Stopped in her tracks, every eye in the parking lot planted upon the scene, Sophia merely confronts the receiving girl, telling her she was authorized to bring in the microwave. Conversation ended, Sophia enters the plant and deposits the microwave in our area, then heads to the restroom.

Now, if you think that was the end of the story, you definitely haven't gotten the full gist of what it is like to work on the production floor.

Ding Ding Ding - Round 2

Sophia is in the restroom when confrontation number two takes place. The receiving girl has following Sophia into the bathroom to, yet again, request why she is so special that she gets a microwave.

Without missing a step Sophia counters the receiving girl asking her just how exactly she became so special that she was told she could keep a coffee maker in the receiving area. Moments of awkward silence pass, then the two part ways.

I have to say, the truly artful thing about the work force confrontation is how skillfully the aggressor, only a few short hours later, will suddenly pretend that nothing has happened and the two of you have been long lost friends from the 1st grade.

"Why, Sophia, these caramel apple bars are just fabulous! You must give me your recipe!"

"I just love the way you've done your hair today!"

"Do you have anything that needs to go to shipping??"

I am repulsed and fascinated by this behavior at the same time. I am repulsed that someone could treat a fellow coworker in such a way, yet, I'm fascinated they feel absolutely no remorse after such actions have taken place.

Michael Moore could do a documentary on such behavior, I would watch it. I would love for him to climb down deep inside the head of one of the floor associates and define just exactly what it is inside there that has twisted them into such cynical and scheming individuals.

My theory, alien abduction and lead poisoning.