This is a very popular phrase in organisational life:
“I don’t do politics”
How many times do you hear it?
How many times have you used it?
Ah, there we are then. If you affirmed the second question, I think you are making a big mistake.
What is the probability that you would be able to safely cross a busy road wearing a blindfold?
That’s exactly what you are doing if you stick your head in the sand, denying that politics exists, or proclaiming that it shouldn’t exist.
When you say “I don’t do politics” you are effectively disengaging with the way work really gets done. That is, if you really mean what you say.
And, if you disengage with it, you are actually handing the advantage to others who are willing and able to engage with the politics. These people may or may not have your best interests at heart.
But, let’s be clear about this, what I am not saying is that you should engage in politics that takes advantage of others, harms people, or damages the organisation as you pursue your objectives.
What I am really saying is that you need to cultivate the view that politics is inevitable, that you need to truly understand the politics that are in play, and then you can decide what action to take.
When you can do this objectively, for the best interests of those around you, you will notice a significant shift – not only in your capability, but also your enjoyment of work.
Here’s a little example from one of my case study clients:
Resources
- Corporate Politics: Necessary Evil or Waste of Time
- Mastering the Politics Unique online course to help you learn how to manage the politics with integrity.
- How to Map the Politics Around Your Work
The Gautrey Influence Blog
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