Taking stock of the situation

Are you new to the office and feel negated and ignored? 
Are you de-linked from the set up and the situation is going out of control?
Are you not being posted as to what's happening in the company?

If this is happening to you, don't just shut yourself and keep aloof from the office on-goings.  You have every right to partake in the activities and get involved.  Don't ever think that you're poking your nose in somebody's business.  Take stock of the situation by following few steps:

1.   Speak to your boss frankly about the situation you are in.  Impress upon him to open a float file where all the in-charge personnel sign.  You, as a second in command sign after all the others and before your boss signs. Now you will be aware of all the out-going letters.

2.    Call for a meeting of all staff working under you.  Show your leadership skills by impressing on them that you're always there for them at time of crisis.  Make it clear that you're an important link in the chain of command and all letters should go to the boss, only after your scrutiny.  Discourage direct transactions between your staff and the boss.  If your boss still wants it to be like that, ask the staff to inform about the tasks assigned by your boss.  Lend a helping hand to complete their tasks.

3.    Say that very clearly to the in-charge personnel - "Report to me after completion of tasks". Taking feed-back is very important.

4.     Mentor the staff to avoid complications and help them to reduce mistakes by giving your own draft letters.

5.     Be a kind listener to the problems and offer maximum support.  Your touch of humanity goes a long way in gaining their trust and confidence.

6.     Congratulate the staff personally for their efforts and convincing outcomes.

7.     Gather reliable info from the staff, so that you're in a position to guide the boss.  Make him feel that the suggestions you offer are valuable for the company.  Always ensure that you're taken into cognizance.

8.     Respect begets respect.  Be respectful in all your dealings and show keen interest in all the people. 

       These 8 rules help you to maintain an enduring positive relationship in the work place.  It also enhances productivity and a feeling of satisfaction is achieved.  Maintaining the office ethos and culture is damn important to survive in a company.