I have read (or at least skimmed through) all of Malcolm Gladwell’s books and have found nuggets of wisdom in each one. This year, I’ve started listening to his Revisionist History Podcasts. I thoroughly enjoy the topics and his insights into historical events which can be applied to a wide range of fields of knowledge. I feel his are ideas worth contemplating and sharing. Season 2 Episode 5, about the friendship between Churchill and Lindemann (The Prime Minister and the Prof), is particularly powerful not only because of the tragic consequences of the blind loyalty of the two friends but also because it still resonates in real ways in today’s world in how politics play a role in both political and corporate decision- making. All too often power is misused and abused resulting in negative outcomes for the business and stakeholders.
It’s safe to assume that regardless of the industry, profession, or company, every working professional will encounter the inner dynamics of people jockeying for position and power. Too many seem to have the unpleasant experience of dealing with co-workers doing their best to be unhelpful or getting the occasional nasty finger pointing email CC-ing the boss, her boss and everyone else. And some find themselves in the midst of a more lethal office warfare or power game when executives try to get one up on one another. Workplace politics can get particularly volatile in tough economic times when resources are scarce and financial stability is in question. Developing political competence is a necessary career success skill. Power abused and unchecked is harmful. However, effectively managing the complexities of office politics and the power structures within organizations to exert a positive influence can distinguish you as a leader and give you a career advantage.
No matter how talented you are, how passionate you are about your work, or how much you believe in the company mission and product, you are not likely to accomplish much without building strong relationships and having strategic alliances at work. Allies are those co-workers who provide assistance and extend friendship. They are valuable resources when you are trying to solve problems and are in need of a different perspective. But alliances can work over the long term only when they are based on integrity and trust and operate for the greater good and in seeking win-win solutions. Relationships are the most valuable currency in the workplace. Nurture them, invest in them, and use them wisely. Treating people well is the true key to success. Always try to maintain good working relationships and strategically use political clout at all levels.
Savvy professionals carefully observe the power structure within the organization. They understand the interpersonal dynamics of those in authority having formal power (holding management positions), those who have informal power (having unique knowledge or position), or those who are charismatic and well-liked and supported. The more you understand the political landscape and the power dynamics, the better you can navigate the waters to accomplish your career goals and ensure your own success. However, being purely politically motivated often results in making bad decisions (and a short-lived tenure.) You cannot go wrong when you focus on integrity. Wise leaders use data to figure out and predict long-term positive outcomes. They form alliances as a way to access resources and skills across the company and to advance common goals. Be proactive and manage work relationships with focused attention. Identify those who complement your skill set and who may have a different approach and perspective so that together you’d be stronger than each one would be individually, and that working together you accomplishing things you can be proud of through the lens of humanity and time.
“If you do not seek out your allies and helpers, then you will be isolated and weak.” ~ Sun Tzu
But choose well. Proceed with caution and act with integrity.
