“Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.” Plato (paraphrased)
Politics are about power, the acquisition of power, the distribution of power, the uses and abuses of power. Any relationship--personal or professional--becomes political the moment power is introduced.
"In today's hyper-competitive job market, you have to be hardworking, smart and educated, but you also have to be politically astute. Fortunately, politics is a skill you can learn." says Jack Godwin author of "THE OFFICE POLITICS HANDBOOK." This book teaches leaders at any level how to: cultivate political skill, exercise power beyond your place in the organizational chart, defend against political attacks and know when to fight, when to retreat and when to lead.
Chapter 25 of "When Doing It All Won't Do: A Self-Coaching Guide for Career Women" agrees that tales of political sabotage, power plays and turf wars are part of every organization’s history. Nonetheless, political competence is the one skill everyone wishes to have more of—but there appears to be a taboo about discussing it. When you ask people how they achieve results within their organizations, they cite market analysis, strategic planning and brainstorming. They never mention politics.
Many women executives consider corporate “politics” a dirty word and avoid politics like the plague. When that is the case, they have a difficult time becoming involved or viewed as a significant corporate player. Whether we want to admit it or not, office politics can make or break a woman executive’s career advancement.
Myth of Helplessness
We all know women who maintain, “If I just keep my head down, work hard, and produce beyond what others have been able to accomplish, I will be promoted.” We may believe that ourselves, but this is a myth that continues to hold women back!
Becoming “political” is the equivalent of becoming socially aware. It is a vital skill necessary for every executive.Don't let the Myth of Helplessness exempt you from standing up for yourself. This myth is based on two false assumptions. First, is the assumption that there is no difference between what you cannot do and what you refuse to do. You may be the victim of bullying at work, for example, or you may see bullying but refuse to say or do anything because you feel helpless. Second, is the assumption of the "head honcho," and it goes something like this: "I'm helpless because my present position is weak, but things will change when I'm head honcho." This is how weak people--because of their place on the organizational chart--rationalize not taking responsibility. This is also how ambitious people fool themselves because they underestimate how "completely sucked up by the system" they will be by the time they climb to the top of the ladder. Rejecting the Myth of Helplessness will clarify a few things for you (particularly when it comes to your abilities and your responsibilities) and is thus a requisite step toward self-mastery.
Many of us have good ideas that, if implemented, could yield positive results for our companies. Sometimes these ideas fall flat because the individuals who propose them cannot gain support from key people; they failed to build a coalition that could transform an idea into something concrete. There is the possibility for self-improvement for sure, but there is also the possibility for authentic leadership, not the kind that comes from the corner office, but that comes from your moral authority.
Ignoring the existence of corporate politics is akin to saying that we can ignore the weather. Political astuteness, combined with ethics and integrity, can produce positive results for us, our team, and our organization.
By avoiding or denying the power of politics, we underestimate how political behavior can destroy careers, a company’s reputation, and everyone’s performance.
Sources: Jack Godwin: The Office Politics Handbook: Winning the Game of Power and Politics at Work
John Agno: When Doing It All Won't Do: A Self-Coaching Guide for Career Women