Compensation

April 17, 2015

Compensation

Maybe this should be a Vocabulary Builder, but I think not. Although our initial reaction to the word “compensation” is to assume it makes reference to money, that is not what this conversation is about. There’s a whole other facet to “compensation” that has absolutely nothing to do with money. It has more to do with making do with what is not very satisfactory. It relates to attempting to even things out so that they are as near to normal as possible.

As an example, let’s say a table or chair is no longer level. Adding some type of shim or wedge will eventually get the object at the proper height so that it won’t rock each time it’s touched. This is part of compensating for the wear that’s been endured and can be used for an indefinite period of time until proper repairs are made or just be considered the repair.

So it goes with the appearance of something that on the exterior shows it’s in need of some attention or pumping up. With a building, the front may be less than what is actually desirable. If the inside looks anything like the exterior, it will attract the wrong crowd or be bypassed as not very worthwhile. Who knows what’s on the other side other than the owner. This may be part of a museum that’s rich with items that tell a magnificent story and holds examples of many wondrous things. Perhaps it has the underpinnings of some new technology but needs to keep a low profile lest the competition discovers what’s really at work here. Or maybe it’s a relic that’s seen better days and has fallen into being nothing more than riffraff.

Some people call it putting on a show to the outside world, displaying a facade, a disguise, when we compensate for a less than desirable exterior. Wearing a smile while in reality there’s some discomfort can make things appear to be better if the situation hasn’t fallen too far. This can work. Drape the exterior with adornments that give the impression that it fits in with the rest of the surroundings.

A notable facade

Show a positive side to the world and camouflage the less attractive aspects, then play up the high end attributes.

This works well for people who have lost standing in one way or another provided they don’t go overboard. But it only works if the presence is low key, even humble. If there’s too much bravado, people become suspicious about why there’s so much noise about so little. And if they’ve already had a glimpse of the frayed edges, it will soon become obvious that things are out of control for the one seeking acceptance.

Grandiose gestures and conversation that don’t fit the situation that others realize exists further compromise the position of the one seeking acceptance and inclusion. They signify that there’s a lack of discretion and an inability to make good judgment calls. There may be overspending and strained budgets if that person has monetary responsibilities. A manager will want to monitor their activity to make certain the person knows how to recognize limits. This need to be cautious will be underscored if the person’s conversation is peppered with disclosures that are better kept private or better tact is used.

The manager will probably put the person into a situation where the candidate needs to interact with others during the interview stages in order to evaluate how well they get along with others or whether their relationships are more superficial and lack an eye to gaining more knowledge about the other participants and the situation.

Yes, “compensation” is definitely a lot more than just the amount of money you’ll be paid for doing the job. That’s the type of compensation you may be seeking. Discuss that at the right time, when there’s been an offer to come on board. That’s the noun in the situation; don’t let it be the adverb.

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