Q: He notified me by e-mail saying he wants a staff meeting every month. it's about 45 min. away from me,(on the freeway) and 10 min away from everyone else! Plus, the meetings are not professional, and unproductive. Do you think it's wrong to speak up and say I don't want to go? any advise? I have been w/ the co. for 5 years. and in the past year, we have had 3 meetings.
A: I don't think it's wrong for you to voice your opinion and tell them you don't want to go. But I also don't think it will help you. It's an unfortunate reality that it will probably do nothing but ostracise you from your coworkers. I would suggest going to one or two of these meetings, and then privately voicing your opinion to your superior in a positive manner. Tell them you would like to be a part of the meetings but it's so far away, and come prepared with a suggestion for an alternative meeting place. Even if nothing comes of it, your superior will be aware that you care about the meetings (even if you really don't!!) and that it's difficult for you to make it to these meetings. They will be less likely to look down on you for not being able to always make it.