Delaying Dilemmas / Work Ethos

Thinking back to an incident at work recently, I was quite taken aback when upon calling on another professional in another similar section of work for some assistance, I was given quite a rude and nasty response.

This person;

a) demeaned me in view of supposedly - differences in rank.
b) was under the deluded impression that he/she could not be called upon for advice unless they were on acute 'standby'
c) just simply could not spare me the five minutes it took to consult and assist with an issue that he/she was obliged to answer to, especially given he/she was the only 'contactable' representative available at the time.

I don't know quite what to think...

Well, actually I do.

1. I think that the system is unfortunately filled with people like this, who feel that over time, they are entitled to misuse their position and influence (*ahem* One could so far as to argue that this is 'bullying' in the workplace as I doubt they would have generalised this response to all others, being selective and all in view of my 'lower rank').
2. Those who feel the only obligations left worth working hard towards are those regarding their own selves... and only sparing the very minimum of efforts for those involving others (i.e. Wants to finish own work on time at 4.30pm on the dot irregardless of other work obligations and the needs of the public).
3. People who can't be bothered to work hand in hand with others for the better good of the many, including their own and their peers - ironically. (i.e lack of teamwork and cooperation, courtesy and respect for other work colleagues- "Kau, kau... Aku, aku mentality." "Can't be bothered to help you").
4. People who've sadly... just stopped caring. Pitiful.

And the public wonders why it all goes wrong sometimes... Well there you have it, the dilemmas behind the delays.

Yet I know... responses such as these may simply be a reflection of the turmoil in their own minds - difficulties at home for instance, other work-related pressures.

But that doesn't excuse such behaviour.

That is what professionalism and work ethics is all about. Putting it all to one side.

Would it really be acceptable for such civil servants to dump their personal problems on their peers... what more the unsuspecting public, simply because they can't cope (or be bothered to learn how to cope) with their own lives and their own selves? Should others really have to pay this so-called 'price'?

And thinking further, if this was an acceptable course of action... than does that mean I have the equal right to do it back to others? After all, this is a form of 'role-modelling' behaviour for subordinates right? Seniors are meant to lead by example.

Perhaps I'm simply letting someone else's 'bad day' get to me...

Or maybe...

I think we should not have to condone this kind of mindset, which just serves as a hindrance in the workplace and promotes poor team-working.

Perhaps what these people really need is some training in appropriate ways of communicating with others, the need for teamwork (Hey, they are only one part of a bigger whole at the end of the day). Recognising the role it plays in ensuring we deliver our work 'targets' that are so expected of us all - not just by our superiors, but also by the public we serve.

But that's not all... lessons on coping skills with stress (including that which is work-related) is just as valuable - lest they just end up appearing and acting like complete and utter morons. Heaven forbid that should happen... Of course...

NB: (Post amended further after first posting it).