Why do individuals get involved in office politics?
What is the end goal of office politics?
Do office politics help or hurt the organization?
Do office politics help or hurt the individuals in the organization?
Which is more important? Doing your best for your company? or doing your best for your political allies?
How do YOU use office politics to your advantage and/or your companies advantage?
Discussion on:
Why are there office politics?
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What is the end goal of office politics?
-- usually to advance one's career (possibly by making someone else look bad or allying with higher-ups), avoid work, or just to get back at a another coworker after being "wronged".
Do office politics help or hurt the organization?
-- it may cause some competition between employees which can be good. Political allies may be beneficial to the company if workers help out other workers.
At the same time, if the politics makes enemies, it will hurt the organization if employees refuse to help eachother out.
Do office politics help or hurt the individuals in the organization?
Whoever benefits will usually do so at the expense of others.
Which is more important? Doing your best for your company? or doing your best for your political allies?
Depends on if you value your company or your career more and how much rank your allies have. Helping out those above you may not help the company, but it may help your career and viceversa
-- usually to advance one's career (possibly by making someone else look bad or allying with higher-ups), avoid work, or just to get back at a another coworker after being "wronged".
Do office politics help or hurt the organization?
-- it may cause some competition between employees which can be good. Political allies may be beneficial to the company if workers help out other workers.
At the same time, if the politics makes enemies, it will hurt the organization if employees refuse to help eachother out.
Do office politics help or hurt the individuals in the organization?
Whoever benefits will usually do so at the expense of others.
Which is more important? Doing your best for your company? or doing your best for your political allies?
Depends on if you value your company or your career more and how much rank your allies have. Helping out those above you may not help the company, but it may help your career and viceversa
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Is your definition number 1,2 or 3? (Or something else? Or all of them?)
1. office politics is a slang term for the often counterproductive human factors present between coworkers, in an office environment in the private or public sector.
Aspects of office politics: Smokers often form an inner-circle of office gossip during their outdoor smoking breaks. The water cooler is another gathering ground for gossip.
2. "Kicked Upstairs": One of the concepts found in corporate executive office politics is called being "kicked upstairs". This is when an unliked or underperforming executive in charge of a division of a corporation, is said to have been promoted (and might report then to the person his current boss is reporting to), yet is given only a small amount of responsibility, if any. This is used often as a kind of punishment.
This practice however is controversial because it is seen as too lenient, and a waste of the shareholder's money. Often executives stay within the corporation for years not doing very much work (see the Peter principle), but also they are often finally allowed to have real duties when someone else is unliked or fails. This whole process is very hard to discern from an outsider's, or analyst's standpoint. It is often revealed only later in famous cases in business biographies.
3. Titles: Among corporate executives, certain titles which legally have no real importance but are meant for honor and pride are fought over by executives. Example titles are COO and President. Often one of these titles is given to a person who might only head a division of the company, but the title is given to please that person or to indicate they are in line for sucsession. In the past, being allowed to be on the Board of Directors (a group which is supposed to represent the interests of the shareholders and be the boss of the ceo) was an honor sought by many executives, although this practice has diminished since the many scandals of 2002 where the board was shown to be weak or negligent. Another commonly used device to "cool off egos" is an entity called "the office of the chairman". This is usually created when a merger or other circumstances finds former CEO's all having to work together at the same company. Since there usually only is one resulting CEO, the other former CEO's and the CEO form a group called the office of the chairman. It has never been observed that these groupings have had any real power or impact beyond the title.
Definition of "Office Politics" -- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_politics
(I love Wikipedia - one of my favorite sites.)
Is your definition number 1,2 or 3? (Or something else? Or all of them?)
1. office politics is a slang term for the often counterproductive human factors present between coworkers, in an office environment in the private or public sector.
Aspects of office politics: Smokers often form an inner-circle of office gossip during their outdoor smoking breaks. The water cooler is another gathering ground for gossip.
2. "Kicked Upstairs": One of the concepts found in corporate executive office politics is called being "kicked upstairs". This is when an unliked or underperforming executive in charge of a division of a corporation, is said to have been promoted (and might report then to the person his current boss is reporting to), yet is given only a small amount of responsibility, if any. This is used often as a kind of punishment.
This practice however is controversial because it is seen as too lenient, and a waste of the shareholder's money. Often executives stay within the corporation for years not doing very much work (see the Peter principle), but also they are often finally allowed to have real duties when someone else is unliked or fails. This whole process is very hard to discern from an outsider's, or analyst's standpoint. It is often revealed only later in famous cases in business biographies.
3. Titles: Among corporate executives, certain titles which legally have no real importance but are meant for honor and pride are fought over by executives. Example titles are COO and President. Often one of these titles is given to a person who might only head a division of the company, but the title is given to please that person or to indicate they are in line for sucsession. In the past, being allowed to be on the Board of Directors (a group which is supposed to represent the interests of the shareholders and be the boss of the ceo) was an honor sought by many executives, although this practice has diminished since the many scandals of 2002 where the board was shown to be weak or negligent. Another commonly used device to "cool off egos" is an entity called "the office of the chairman". This is usually created when a merger or other circumstances finds former CEO's all having to work together at the same company. Since there usually only is one resulting CEO, the other former CEO's and the CEO form a group called the office of the chairman. It has never been observed that these groupings have had any real power or impact beyond the title.
Definition of "Office Politics" -- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_politics
(I love Wikipedia - one of my favorite sites.)
The question I made was to see how each person here would define "office politics". Also, I would like to see the different viewpoints on what impact office politics has on individuals, groups, super groups and the organization as a whole.
Do office politics provide a stronger company? a weaker company? no net impact? What are the opinions out there on this?
Do office politics provide a stronger company? a weaker company? no net impact? What are the opinions out there on this?
we are all raised in a pecking order, in the home, at school, yadda yadda. Everyone is raised in different places, homes, cultures that dictate their personalities. The problem is that we are all trapped with these individuals 40+ hrs and have to make the best of the situation. We all have to get along to work together, but their has to be a lead, and usually it is denoted by seniority, not talent, congeniality, or smarts. It both helps and hurts because in my opinion their is no such thing as professionalism, to me it is a p.r. motto to excuse certain behavior. We all talk about one another behind closed doors, rat eachother out for advancement or more pay, alienate people that dont fit into the "cliques" like in high school. Most people cant get past their glory days and try to be this or that in the office to compensate for how popular or not popular from their past. Do I like all that I work with? No, but I get along because I have learned much more from others than I ever had from a book. If people dont like me, so what, but treat me with respect like you would and I'm fine or look out for my interests and I'll do the same. We spend more time with the people we work with than our own families and tell things to co-workers that we dont with those closest to us. We are all in the same boat together, either we row together or drift. If people were as professional or adult as they profess than being political wouldnt matter. Other than that their are legal issues because everyone wants something for nothing and hide behind excuses than the truth. People have to protect themselves because their is no loyalty in business, its business and thats all about profit. Just ask anyone who has either been escorted out of the office once fired despite years of service or has sat there not speaking up after your so called friend is shamed like that. Politics are wrong, but people claim that they go to church, temple, or what have you and forget the basic teachings, leaving a facade of lies and hurt feelings, how sad in a supposed evolved society.
In light of these points, what traits would be required in an individual to be called a true professional?
Is it possible? or do we just provide lip service to this?
Is it possible? or do we just provide lip service to this?
To be truly professional as a manager would be to provide an atmosphere to inspire or create advancement. What I mean is this, in our field managers dont want to invest in training or offer more experience to their workers because of a fear of wasting money that the employee once trained will leave forcing the manager to start all over again. To me this is self deating and rediculous for a company, it doesnt cost a manager to train (not sending off to training classes)if they are so capable, information and understanding become reciprocal, bonds of respect are formed, the team atmosphere improves as a sense of ownership is established. All supported office personel see an increase in quality of service and efficiency that demonstrates great management skills. If the employee is satisfied professionally and financially then they will stay, no one bolts for the door earlier than a year and a half, anything under that looks bad on the resume. If a manager fails in this matter the employee feels like an indentured servant resenting the manager that s(he) is forced to play a respect game, the door swings both ways. You dont have to like everyone but you need to understand that all desire their own respect, not everyone has capabilities for advancement but that doesnt excuse a refusal to attempt to better the person, you chose to be a manager nobody elected you and all the responsibilities that it implies, not just being an administrator, you effect your employees future directly.
As for an employee, dont sell your manager down the river, look out for his/her interests, assist your fellow team mates giving them your knowledge rather than hording worrying about any lost edge. Dont run to the manager at every little disagreement, handle like an adult, be sociable, keep your prejudices to yourself.
in short:
1. respect
2. share
3. invest (stagnation kills companies, without it growth is impossible)
4. leave work at work
5. take responsibility
6. proper conduct befitting an adult
7. common sense
As for an employee, dont sell your manager down the river, look out for his/her interests, assist your fellow team mates giving them your knowledge rather than hording worrying about any lost edge. Dont run to the manager at every little disagreement, handle like an adult, be sociable, keep your prejudices to yourself.
in short:
1. respect
2. share
3. invest (stagnation kills companies, without it growth is impossible)
4. leave work at work
5. take responsibility
6. proper conduct befitting an adult
7. common sense
The lack of integrity I encounter in the workplace is sometimes astonishing, probably because I expect people to behave differently now that they are grown up. When I was young, I was always the outcast and never fit into any clique. While distressing, it allowed me to see the shallowness of what the others around me valued. Clothes, bravado, sports, carousing, and an overbearning sneering arrogance that belittles everyone not like them. Back in grade school, one of them said to me in a condescending tone "Why don't you just give up? Nobody likes you and you don't have any friends." All I could do was laugh. I should give up my life because you twits don't like me?
I couldn't understand it then, and I don't want to now. It is wrong, though it fits into the philosphy of "survival of the fittest" because they formed their pack and climbed the ladder of success, until they burned out, got pregnant out of wedlock, obese, alcoholic, or dead. Some did achieve business success, and still hold onto the same attitude today while in the office, and we get to deal with them. Unfortunately, they are often in management positions, and they encourage (and promote) others like them to become managers, to restore the "pack".
For me professionalism is an offshoot of integrity, and means that I will take the tools and knowledge specific to my profession and use them to complete the task I have been given to the best of my ability, while treating my coworkers and customers with respect. I find that when others do the same, our "pack" is really a great group of people to be with, and our products and services are excellent.
I couldn't understand it then, and I don't want to now. It is wrong, though it fits into the philosphy of "survival of the fittest" because they formed their pack and climbed the ladder of success, until they burned out, got pregnant out of wedlock, obese, alcoholic, or dead. Some did achieve business success, and still hold onto the same attitude today while in the office, and we get to deal with them. Unfortunately, they are often in management positions, and they encourage (and promote) others like them to become managers, to restore the "pack".
For me professionalism is an offshoot of integrity, and means that I will take the tools and knowledge specific to my profession and use them to complete the task I have been given to the best of my ability, while treating my coworkers and customers with respect. I find that when others do the same, our "pack" is really a great group of people to be with, and our products and services are excellent.
Politics happen because employees are looking for someone that has the best chemistry to work with them. That is why there are "favorites" in the office and people trying to become favorites. I have worked with people that challenged me to achieve even more because of good chemistry and they were the people I wanted to work with most of the time. On the other hand, when I worked with people that I had poor chemistry with, work tended to not get done as fast or as well. Nothing like a whinner to gum up the works and pull everyone down.
As my old boss once said, after a while most people's technical skills get good, but it is the chemistry and attitude that counts most.
As my old boss once said, after a while most people's technical skills get good, but it is the chemistry and attitude that counts most.
Did you know that Amazon lists 1,200 titles having to do with "office politics" and a Google search yields 11,600,000 hits?
You're searching for answers to the unanswerable, but I'll give you my two cents' (which is about what this will be worth):
Why do individuals get involved in office politics? Because they do. Because all of life is an extension of high school, and when you put two human beings in a room you have politics. That's reality...deal with it.
What is the end goal of office politics? To win something. Power, position, prestige, money, ego stroking. What's the end goal of anything?
Do office politics help or hurt? Both, and usually at the same time.
Do better for your company or your political allies? This assumes the two are in conflict. Are you an altruist or an egoist? Are you working for the greater good or your own gain? This is situational...sometimes your political allies have the corporate best interest at heart, and sometimes they're just a bunch of scoundrels out for themselves. What's going on at your organization?
How do I use office politics? Too personal a question to answer, and again too situational. What works for me won't necessarily work for you, since we're two different people in two different environments.
You're looking for quick and dirty answers to complex issues. Can't be done. You've got to do what all of us have...live through a few dozen years and a few dozen wars, have the scars to prove it, and figure it out on your own.
You're searching for answers to the unanswerable, but I'll give you my two cents' (which is about what this will be worth):
Why do individuals get involved in office politics? Because they do. Because all of life is an extension of high school, and when you put two human beings in a room you have politics. That's reality...deal with it.
What is the end goal of office politics? To win something. Power, position, prestige, money, ego stroking. What's the end goal of anything?
Do office politics help or hurt? Both, and usually at the same time.
Do better for your company or your political allies? This assumes the two are in conflict. Are you an altruist or an egoist? Are you working for the greater good or your own gain? This is situational...sometimes your political allies have the corporate best interest at heart, and sometimes they're just a bunch of scoundrels out for themselves. What's going on at your organization?
How do I use office politics? Too personal a question to answer, and again too situational. What works for me won't necessarily work for you, since we're two different people in two different environments.
You're looking for quick and dirty answers to complex issues. Can't be done. You've got to do what all of us have...live through a few dozen years and a few dozen wars, have the scars to prove it, and figure it out on your own.
No info, no views, no exploration. No depth at all. Just a classic 'manager' who imagines that this kind of empty talk 'inspires' the underlings.
Just the 'hey, deal with it, it's a jungle blah ...' stuff as usual.
'Quarterback talk' I call it.
Underlying message?:
"just like I have, and look where I have got to ...my scars and I, proudly marching ever on, leading from the front ..."
Translation?:
What the world needs is more people just like me because I'm right. Sooner or later you will see that.
See the first post in this thread for the reason this egotistical nonsense thrives in so many.
Sigh ...
Just the 'hey, deal with it, it's a jungle blah ...' stuff as usual.
'Quarterback talk' I call it.
Underlying message?:
"just like I have, and look where I have got to ...my scars and I, proudly marching ever on, leading from the front ..."
Translation?:
What the world needs is more people just like me because I'm right. Sooner or later you will see that.
See the first post in this thread for the reason this egotistical nonsense thrives in so many.
Sigh ...
My response was not meant to provide any direct answers. If it was unclear that I was saying this is far too complex a topic to provide specific insights for, I regret the lack of clarity.
You're at least directionally correct about one thing. For many, many years I've managed technical teams from just a couple of people to a couple hundred, as well as having taught IT management practices at the Master's level. (I say that only to establish my bona fides, not to engage in "egotistical nonsense".) My experience, and that of many colleagues I greatly admire, has been that good managers and good leaders are in fact good quarterbacks, people who can define and articulate a vision then get talented people to execute. Making sure that team members understand the raw realities of each situation is a critical skill for people in this kind of position.
There's no one out there who can provide us with a rule book on life. Good managers don't do that. Great leaders don't do that. It doesn't exist, and there are no pat answers. You have to figure these things out on your own.
If you asked me for help with a SQL query, or how to decide on a technology purchase, or what to do about a specific problem with a particular user, I'd give you all the help you could stand. If you ask me open ended questions like what direction you should be taking with your career, questions that require personal introspection to answer, I'll give you the best advice I can based on my experience and my knowledge of you as an individual but I won't give you a specific answer. I'll just give you the tools you need to figure it out on your own. In a very small way that's what I've tried to do here.
I don't know anything about you or the original poster, so all I (or, for that matter, anyone) can do in this forum is make general statements that hopefully provide some measure of insight. You can apply them or reject them as you wish. You, on the other hand, have presented a presumptuous response that suggests some knowledge of me and my background. You don't know me at all.
You're entitled to your opinion and have the right to express it, but I suggest you go back and reread your own comments. I suggest I've shown you, and the original poster, more respect than you've shown me.
You're at least directionally correct about one thing. For many, many years I've managed technical teams from just a couple of people to a couple hundred, as well as having taught IT management practices at the Master's level. (I say that only to establish my bona fides, not to engage in "egotistical nonsense".) My experience, and that of many colleagues I greatly admire, has been that good managers and good leaders are in fact good quarterbacks, people who can define and articulate a vision then get talented people to execute. Making sure that team members understand the raw realities of each situation is a critical skill for people in this kind of position.
There's no one out there who can provide us with a rule book on life. Good managers don't do that. Great leaders don't do that. It doesn't exist, and there are no pat answers. You have to figure these things out on your own.
If you asked me for help with a SQL query, or how to decide on a technology purchase, or what to do about a specific problem with a particular user, I'd give you all the help you could stand. If you ask me open ended questions like what direction you should be taking with your career, questions that require personal introspection to answer, I'll give you the best advice I can based on my experience and my knowledge of you as an individual but I won't give you a specific answer. I'll just give you the tools you need to figure it out on your own. In a very small way that's what I've tried to do here.
I don't know anything about you or the original poster, so all I (or, for that matter, anyone) can do in this forum is make general statements that hopefully provide some measure of insight. You can apply them or reject them as you wish. You, on the other hand, have presented a presumptuous response that suggests some knowledge of me and my background. You don't know me at all.
You're entitled to your opinion and have the right to express it, but I suggest you go back and reread your own comments. I suggest I've shown you, and the original poster, more respect than you've shown me.
.
Office politics is other people doing other things that are beyond my control. And since I try not to spend any time worrying about those things that are beyond my control, since I can't do anything about it anyway, I've never thought about it.
Office politics is other people doing other things that are beyond my control. And since I try not to spend any time worrying about those things that are beyond my control, since I can't do anything about it anyway, I've never thought about it.
Because there are egos...
there is always the executive who knows it all (but really hasn't got a clue, but people follow him because they know he can influence if they can pay the mortgage that month or buy food the following week.) and said exec will ALWAYS direct things as if he/she is the world's authority on any given subject that is the topic at the time.
I've seen it a trillion times.
It all cascades from ego.
You'll never get away from office politics its part of reality.
Unless you work alone (self-employed) you'll always have at least a little bit of politics in the workplace.
But that's not all bad, if you learn to "use the system" the politics of the office can work in your favor too.
there is always the executive who knows it all (but really hasn't got a clue, but people follow him because they know he can influence if they can pay the mortgage that month or buy food the following week.) and said exec will ALWAYS direct things as if he/she is the world's authority on any given subject that is the topic at the time.
I've seen it a trillion times.
It all cascades from ego.
You'll never get away from office politics its part of reality.
Unless you work alone (self-employed) you'll always have at least a little bit of politics in the workplace.
But that's not all bad, if you learn to "use the system" the politics of the office can work in your favor too.
.
That's sure a bunch.
If you work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, without a break, you've been "seeing it" each and every second of each and every day for the last 31,710 years.
(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
That's sure a bunch.
If you work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, without a break, you've been "seeing it" each and every second of each and every day for the last 31,710 years.
(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
It's like I've told my kids..If I've told you once, I've told you a million times..don't exaggerate..
Good one!As hypocritical as I will sound now I actually get un-nerved by excessive exaggeration too.
Its ok (I think) if someone exaggerates only once in a while, but some folks its like every thing they say.
I'm sorry Max...
I meant to say I've seen it 983,238,938,282.3 times.
Silly me..
I meant to say I've seen it 983,238,938,282.3 times.
Silly me..
People get involved in office politics for a few reasons. Brown nosing, don't want to earn their way up the ladder, but would rather "work" their way up the ladder. Or they just don't have enough work to do.
They hurt the organization, as well as the individuals within the organization.
Which is most important, is to do the best for YOURSELF!!!
I stay out of it. I think that it's nonsense, and I have better things to do with my time. Like make posts to TR... ;p
Mrafrohead
They hurt the organization, as well as the individuals within the organization.
Which is most important, is to do the best for YOURSELF!!!
I stay out of it. I think that it's nonsense, and I have better things to do with my time. Like make posts to TR... ;p
Mrafrohead
Here are my two cents. It is important to note that I am talking about positive politics and not cut-throat career moves.
Why do individuals get involved in office politics?
Depending on your definition of politics, my response may not apply. An individual will get involved in positive politics in order to communicate better with upper management. Ideas do not have a voice without an ear to listen.
What is the end goal of office politics?
Office politics are essential in maintaining a unified flow and direction. It is important that all departments are represented accordingly. The reason that management should pursue this game is for the good of the department.
Do office politics help or hurt the organization?
It all depends on the kind of politics that are in question. Representing your department with a strong voice, when communicating with other senior members, has a positive result. Talking bad about somebody behind their back is very unprofessional.
Do office politics help or hurt the individuals in the organization?
If the nature of the politics is personal, then it will hurt the organization.
Which is more important? Doing your best for your company? or doing your best for your political allies?
Sometimes doing the best for your political allies is what is best for the department, despite what your associates may think. Give some / Take some. It is all a matter of good timing and logical submission.
How do YOU use office politics to your advantage and/or your companies advantage?
I don't use politics, I am political in nature. In order to express your expert opinion, and even demonstrate your worth, it is important to have the means to do so. I like to have a "bird's eye view" of the corporation that I am working for. It allows one to make informed and very effective decisions and contributions to the company.
Why do individuals get involved in office politics?
Depending on your definition of politics, my response may not apply. An individual will get involved in positive politics in order to communicate better with upper management. Ideas do not have a voice without an ear to listen.
What is the end goal of office politics?
Office politics are essential in maintaining a unified flow and direction. It is important that all departments are represented accordingly. The reason that management should pursue this game is for the good of the department.
Do office politics help or hurt the organization?
It all depends on the kind of politics that are in question. Representing your department with a strong voice, when communicating with other senior members, has a positive result. Talking bad about somebody behind their back is very unprofessional.
Do office politics help or hurt the individuals in the organization?
If the nature of the politics is personal, then it will hurt the organization.
Which is more important? Doing your best for your company? or doing your best for your political allies?
Sometimes doing the best for your political allies is what is best for the department, despite what your associates may think. Give some / Take some. It is all a matter of good timing and logical submission.
How do YOU use office politics to your advantage and/or your companies advantage?
I don't use politics, I am political in nature. In order to express your expert opinion, and even demonstrate your worth, it is important to have the means to do so. I like to have a "bird's eye view" of the corporation that I am working for. It allows one to make informed and very effective decisions and contributions to the company.
Well worth the time it took to write it, and read it. Thanks for the insights.
I just needed to represent the other end of the spectrum. Others failed to recognize that there is a separate entity that exists regarding politics in the corporate world.
I just noticed that everybody has been associating office politics with the "bingo gossip" aspect of the game. This, in my opinion, does not constitute office politics in any way. Sure it exists, but it is more on a personal basis. Teaming up with your co-workers in order to discuss the attitude of another is not a positive activity at all.
I just noticed that everybody has been associating office politics with the "bingo gossip" aspect of the game. This, in my opinion, does not constitute office politics in any way. Sure it exists, but it is more on a personal basis. Teaming up with your co-workers in order to discuss the attitude of another is not a positive activity at all.
Office politics (gathered from personal observation) is nothing more than a power struggle between two or more people who think they have all the answers and authority. They usually have neither! It is destructive in nature and serves no one.
I try my best to stay away from the cliques (smokers, water cooler groupies, etc.) because my primary mission is to help my company (employer) succeed. If I'm recognized along the way, fine.
Some might say I think I'm superior. No, I just think my focus should be on my company's success, not mine. In other words, there is a time and place for everything and self interest should always take a back seat to company interest.
I try my best to stay away from the cliques (smokers, water cooler groupies, etc.) because my primary mission is to help my company (employer) succeed. If I'm recognized along the way, fine.
Some might say I think I'm superior. No, I just think my focus should be on my company's success, not mine. In other words, there is a time and place for everything and self interest should always take a back seat to company interest.
I browsed through the other stuff & your title caught my eye....enjoyed your post........
If people used the energy they spend towards "office politics" and put it towards the success of the company that helped buy the homes they sleep in and the cars they drive.......therefore contributing positively to the growth and prosperity of said employer........the companies they work FOR could further employ many of the unemployed people that are talking about the politics that put them on the street, standing around the "oil drum fire pit" trying to keep warm at night.
Incidentally, "oil drum fire pit" is the street version of the water cooler. This is where the victims of some legendary PEON's find themselves today. The corporations where they once worked became infested by the PEON. The corporations performance suffered. PEON legend has it that the top brass was so despondant about the very low corporate profits and the mounting debt, they promptly busied themselves sleeping with each and every employee.
The DAFE2 definition of "Office Politics" is:
GOSSIP, INNUENDO & LIES
I believe you have correctly identified the purveyor of "Office Politics" as the LAZY worker..AKA the PEON.
The signature patern of a true PEON is in the way they suggest others who don't participate in their clique "think their good or are superior".
I think you might have been one of the few who have survived meeting several PEONS at once!!!
The PEON can be found on any rung of the Corporate lader. They are cameleons.
Once the PEON identifies someone they believe is "superior" they busy themselves spending and INCREDIBLE ammount of ENERGY running arround making sure everyone arround them "looks" bad. They really believe this makes them look "good".
Defense technique to avoid the inevitable PEON encounter:
Try not ask a a question that would engage more than a yes or no response. EXTREME care must be taken with this....If done incorectly, it leads to extensive conversations that have nothing to do with the original request. There is no known method of retreat once this begins..........some who have succesfully shut the PEON up during such an exchange have found themselves sitting across from an HR manager. Still others have told me that when they know for sure they will meet with a PEON and have to ask a complex question they use several techniques to avoid staying captive to PEON rhetoric:
(All are distasteful, even to PEONS. These techniques are usually succesful. Some truly legendary PEONs have been known to put up with this stuff, so use with caution)
1 - Eat beans........Break wind as required
2 - Pick your nose......go deep
The best defense: Avoid conversation at all cost!
If people used the energy they spend towards "office politics" and put it towards the success of the company that helped buy the homes they sleep in and the cars they drive.......therefore contributing positively to the growth and prosperity of said employer........the companies they work FOR could further employ many of the unemployed people that are talking about the politics that put them on the street, standing around the "oil drum fire pit" trying to keep warm at night.
Incidentally, "oil drum fire pit" is the street version of the water cooler. This is where the victims of some legendary PEON's find themselves today. The corporations where they once worked became infested by the PEON. The corporations performance suffered. PEON legend has it that the top brass was so despondant about the very low corporate profits and the mounting debt, they promptly busied themselves sleeping with each and every employee.
The DAFE2 definition of "Office Politics" is:
GOSSIP, INNUENDO & LIES
I believe you have correctly identified the purveyor of "Office Politics" as the LAZY worker..AKA the PEON.
The signature patern of a true PEON is in the way they suggest others who don't participate in their clique "think their good or are superior".
I think you might have been one of the few who have survived meeting several PEONS at once!!!
The PEON can be found on any rung of the Corporate lader. They are cameleons.
Once the PEON identifies someone they believe is "superior" they busy themselves spending and INCREDIBLE ammount of ENERGY running arround making sure everyone arround them "looks" bad. They really believe this makes them look "good".
Defense technique to avoid the inevitable PEON encounter:
Try not ask a a question that would engage more than a yes or no response. EXTREME care must be taken with this....If done incorectly, it leads to extensive conversations that have nothing to do with the original request. There is no known method of retreat once this begins..........some who have succesfully shut the PEON up during such an exchange have found themselves sitting across from an HR manager. Still others have told me that when they know for sure they will meet with a PEON and have to ask a complex question they use several techniques to avoid staying captive to PEON rhetoric:
(All are distasteful, even to PEONS. These techniques are usually succesful. Some truly legendary PEONs have been known to put up with this stuff, so use with caution)
1 - Eat beans........Break wind as required
2 - Pick your nose......go deep
The best defense: Avoid conversation at all cost!
Ans 1) Personal Reasons, driven by instinct like jealousy, complex and attitude.
Ans 2) DISASTER, WITH RESIGNATIONS,TERMINATIONS AND FINALLY LOSS OF BUSINESS RESULTING TO CLOSURE OF THE ORGANISATION.
Ans 3)HURT
Ans 4)Best for the company.
Ans 5) To my advantage is to be a part of the gossip and conspire against whoever and for the organisation is simply be honest to your work and give the necessary to the Higher Management on the consequences if you are in a Project that could mean Big Business to the organisation and also its rivals.
Ans 2) DISASTER, WITH RESIGNATIONS,TERMINATIONS AND FINALLY LOSS OF BUSINESS RESULTING TO CLOSURE OF THE ORGANISATION.
Ans 3)HURT
Ans 4)Best for the company.
Ans 5) To my advantage is to be a part of the gossip and conspire against whoever and for the organisation is simply be honest to your work and give the necessary to the Higher Management on the consequences if you are in a Project that could mean Big Business to the organisation and also its rivals.
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