Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.
– Plato
You should never let office politics discourage you. Everywhere you go, there’s going to be politics.
Everywhere you go, there’s going to be a different balance of power, different people with varying levels of influence, seniority, and control over resources. And if you want to get anything done, you’re going to have to play by the rules that are already in place.
But just like countries, different companies are going to have different regimes. Some are going to be more democratic than others, and depending on the industry and your position, different models are going to work better for you.
What you have to ask yourself as an employee is “What kind of regime suits me best? What kind of system do I need to do the best job that I can do?”
And what you have to ask yourself as an entrepreneur is “What kind of regime do I want to reign over? What kind of system will help me offer the best product or service that I can?“
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh so wise. Great questions. Just great.
Admittedly, it’s a lot easier to ask questions than answer them.
That being said, you can’t find answers until you do :P
I just try to fulfill all of my obligations; real or perceived.
Maybe then it’s a question of which of your obligations are a priority [shrug]
One of the best books I’ve ever read on this subject (especially as a newcomer into any business) is ‘The First 90 Days’ – it sets out a way of working to your strengths, as well as those of the employees around you, which can and will break or adjust the rules to which you are employed by.
Good words chap.