Group psychology has a massive unseen influence on behaviour, the way things get done, and the way decisions are made, aka, the politics
Someone recently told me that “Politics is frowned upon here.”
I probed “What exactly do you mean?”
What followed was a number of examples such as brown-nosing, button-holing before meetings, self-promotion.
“Okay, who are these people who frown on the politics?”
“My colleagues and peers.”
And there we have a problem. It is the culture of that group of friends, compatriots, that is frowning on the politics. Since culture is the (often unspoken) rules that guide behaviour within a group, something in that culture is definitely against political behaviour, or what it perceives as being political.
Nothing wrong with that, each group has the right to think what it likes (within moral bounds) however, if you wish to join another group that has different “rules” you may well get caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place.
In reality, many of the behaviours usually labelled as politicking, to more senior groups (cultures) is perfectly acceptable. Decisions have to be made, views have to be aligned, agendas catered for, opposition overcome. It is also an imperative in many of these groups that people with talent, who are getting results, promote themselves so more people can benefit from their work.
Whenever you are moving from group to group, you need to be aware of these norms of behaviour (culture), not so that you can comply and simply fit in, but so that you can use that awareness to make conscious decisions about what you do to achieve your objectives.
In the example here, acting in political ways will likely alienate the group of peers, but gain respect among a more senior group of people. What you peers will be (unconsciously) doing is trying to keep your behaviour in line, make sure you don’t stray too far, and don’t become one of those overpaid managers who get in the way of real work!
At some point, if you are serious about getting ahead and fulfilling your potential, you will need to shift your affiliation to those more senior groups, and your friends won’t like it one bit!
Though, with awareness and careful handling, you can have your cake and eat it.
The Gautrey Influence Blog
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