discrimination in the workplace

[rob123abc]

how do you handle the stigma of depression in the workplace

[mammo]

I would be annoyed as well, and I personally would address it with the owner(s).  They obviously thinks very highly of you, and really wanted you to be there.  One problem is now by not going, you may be proving the managers point.  Nobody likes these types of things but you have to realize that nobody at the function will know anyone else either, and will be looking for others to talk with.  A great opener is "Hi, my name is....from....., where are you from?" You'll be amazed at how quickly others will join it because they feel the same as you do.  When in business, if you want to climb the corporate ladder you need to attend these things, anything that is politically correct.  You will all be there because you are the best of the best, it's a chance to shine!  I would approach the owner and let him/her know you overheard the converstaion and it has made you feel awkward in the workplace, and go from there.  This converstaion should not have taken place, and especially out in the open.  It's the owner's opinion that matters most, and since he thinks so highly of you....he will care about this incident.  Try to work with him in resolving the issue, because managers are a dime a dozen....good sales people are not!  I would also ask to have the opportunity to attent the award ceremony, that you would be honored to represent the company.  Explain that what you heard just discouraged you from wanting to go, but you really want to.  Each time you attend one of these you meet new people, you grow personally and professionally.  I do think the managers were out of line in what they said, and I feel the owner will too since it has impacted you in a negative way.  It was wrong and rude, but this world is full of rude people and you can't take what people like this say personally.  It sounds like you have a lot to be proud of, hold your head high, be be proud of yourself and all you accomplished on behalf of the company.  Those two managers may be fearing you will take their jobs......with good reason! :)

[rob123abc]

   thank you so much for your comments

   my situation is that i overheard a conversation with my boss and two mananger
   talking about me because my boss selected me to go to an award ceremony for
   my achievements in sales. i would like to go but its an overnight stay at a hotel
   and only one person from each branch is selected to go, so i dont know anyone
   there. there is two free training sessions over the two days, and a dress to impress
   awards dinner at night.  anyway i heard the two managers saying to my boss
   you cant send someone like that to an important ceremony dinner to which my
   boss said i have achieved the most sales in the branch and it was the owners and
   her decision that i go, then one of the managers seen me and wasnt sure if i overheard
   there discussion
   i walked by them to start my work and one followed me asking did you hear what
   he said  i said yes i did then he went through and probably informed them of the
   situation. one of the manages that made the comment is a close family friend with
   owner of the business so its a bit tricky
   anyway have told my boss that i wont be going as i would not feel comfortable
   staying overnight and feel awkward not knowing anyone there
    the atmosphere in work is not the same discussed with colleagues whether they
    would go if selected and they said no they would feel the same way
    what do i do
     some advice would be appreciated at the moment i feel a bit annoyed about the
     situation it is discrimination about depression that i have  but i do enjoy my work

[mammo]

Many people are dealing with their own depression and issues, so know you're not alone in the workplace. Has someone said or done something to make you feel like you're being labeled in a negative way?  Most people are very understanding when it comes to depression, and would like to help but just don't know how, or even what to say.  Others may not understand, and it's really not their fault.  For many, unless they have experienced depression they don't understand it, so they may feel uncomfortable around you.  This doesn't mean they dislike you at all...it's just that they think they need to act a certain way, or tip-toe around you when they really don't.  I think the more you can talk to your peers and show them that you're still you...the easier it will be for them.  Things we don't understand can scare us, and this may be the case at your workplace.  Do what is best for you, live your life and they will learn to accept you.  Don't take any of this personally, I'm sure it's not meant to hurt you.  But if something has happened and you can share what it was, they maybe we need to evaluate why it happened and go from there. I hope this helps, and hold your head high.  Best wishes.