Surviving Organizational Politics # 3

This is in continuation with the series posted earlier.

Part - 1 of Surviving Organizational Politics and
Part - 2 of Surviving Organizational Politics

In Conclusion:

In the first piece I mentioned that there might be organizations where politics is played in an evil way and you might end up there. It is truly hard to work in those kinds of organizations and you should leave them as soon as possible. Nevertheless, as long as you are there, you have to survive and come out unscathed.

1. Behave as if you are in a herd, but think independently:

Organization comes and goes. Team comes and goes. People come and go. However, you must remember that:

You live with yourself longer than with anybody else.

So think independently, but act as if you are part of the herd they belong to. Otherwise, you will be left out.

2. Assume formlessness:

Have you seen water droplets on lotus leaves?

It is everywhere, but actually nowhere. Be like that: be with everyone, but do not support anyone.

3. Have an exit plan:

If you have realized that evil minded politics thrives in your organization, then it is time to call it quits. As in today’s world no one guarantees life long employment, but organizations can promise of a life long employability. And your ability to be employable comes mostly from your knowledge. However, in a highly political organization, you actually do not learn anything of value.

Finally, if you are in a company, there will be politics. And you need to know which side you are in. At the same time, you should have a clear plan for yourself on how well you can get with it. If you do not play it, then be prepared to languish or even die.


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