Do not get me wrong. I am not trying to write the bitter truth but how can you avoid it. In corporate world, there are inevitable politics, free riders, taking credit of others’ work, sycophancy….the list would go on and on. However, why are we there in the first place? Of course, to make a living. However, competition, jealousy creeps up in our mind. As I was discussing with my superior, What’s the use of blame gaming and politics? He said, in a honest but reluctant way, “At the top there is always politics involved.”
My question is, What the organization is getting out of it? Positively, they can detect the leaders, outstanding performers, hard workers. What about the 80%? If we consider the Pareto rule 80% result comes from 20% individuals. Let’s say, an organization has 100 employees, now the 20 top performers are identified and rewarded. Is it rationale? How could the 20 persons achieve their goals without collaboration with the significant 80 percent. There, there- the problem lies! The organization perceives whoever is in-charge of the project or presenting the project is the one who hailed and accomplished the jobs. But, “No”; how could the project leader got the input, analysis, surveying, communication without the help of colleagues and related stakeholders. However, “The winner takes it all.” So, lets just establish ten (10) rules to avoid such politics.
- Never Get Involved in Gossiping: It is hard to avoid but even if you know what is happening at the top, keep mum. It will save you a lot of time and will increase your productivity.
- Do Not Show-off or Exaggerate: We all try to be on top of our game by selling and overselling. Just put an end to it. Your work will speak for yourself.
- Never Go Behind the Door: Even though you have the access to the top, do not get into habit of showing off your face everyday without purpose. We all know the story of the angel who flew near the sun and lost its wings.
- Do Not Take All the Credit: Even when the CEO praises you for an excellent job, do not take all the credit. Instantly acknowledge the support and cordial mentorship of your line manager.
- Do Not Try to be Jack of all Trade: There will be times, when management heavily relies on you and delegates all the projects to you. Politely say that it is a team work. She or he might be best suitable to run all the projects.
Let’s put a break here. In the second series, I will discuss about behavioral analysis to stay away the bitter poison of politics.
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