6 Create opportunities to show yourself as human. Corporate cultures that genuinely value and reward teamwork are less likely to be fractured by enmity, says Moulder. Rowe agrees, and recalls that when Japanese car firms set up in the United Kingdom, the English were shocked by the fact that managers and workers dressed the same and ate in the same canteen. Be trustworthy Research by Gerald Jellison, professor of psychology at the University of South Carolina, shows that people tell an average of one lie every eight minutes, with the worst offenders being those with the most social contact who are required to make demands on people. Yet people hate being lied to, and generally respect honesty, even when the message may be bad.
Consistency is also important.
There s no fool-proof strategy to avoid making an enemy, for to quote Machiavelli one last time hatred can be provoked as much by good works as by bad. But the virtuous path remains the right one. By being aware of the behaviours that drive emnity and avoiding them, you maximise your chances of emerging victorious and vindicated. Above all, retain your good humour and be patient. That is advice that Angela can certainly relate to.