I'll have to disagree with you on that one. You can always create networks by volunteering to participate in a few initiatives. It takes time, it makes you feel as if you are selling yourself too short, but it gets the ball rolling, and trust me, it works.
"If you don't have power, you can't stand up for what is right." This is bang on, and the exact reason I encourage all my clients to increase their workplace politic savviness.
@@NAConen exactly. This is a massive moral and objective failure of human nature. So long as we behave this way we don’t deserve to improve, evolve, or succeed.
@@NAConen My thought exactly. Corporations are not individuals themselves let alone controlled by the individuals in the office. All they see is a need for people who are good at taking orders.
I love how the 2 speakers are really respectful of each other. No one is talking over the other or cutting the other off. They complement each other very respectfully, and that's just beautiful to watch.
After graduating and entering the workforce, realizing you need to play the politics game and that you can't just rely on skills and hard work is disappointing frightening. It's especially intimidating when you're trying to figure out who you are and what people think of you in a new work environment. As a new grad, sometimes it feels unnatural to try and "build a network", and I question whether I can truly progress if I don't feel like my true self at work. I think it can come off fake and people disrespect you if they can tell you are trying to play the politics game. What I try to tell myself that I do need to build networks and get recognized by senior leaders because politics is unavoidable, but I have to know my own strengths and play my own game. This is so I stay true to myself and don't feel and come off as an imposter. I like what the interviewees said that it's important that you make people feel good when they are around you.
Indeed , I faced the same and encountered with such jealousy guys. I would try my best to make sure that everyone is content from my contribution but again many would not appreciated my hard work due having grudge and animosity of what I owned and managed to make the most of it.
Just keep it simple. If your workplace is like this and your stressed, just relax. Don’t overthink it. Just get the paycheck and go home. Remember, if these people love politics so much why don’t they go be a politician? Don’t let this thing consume you, at the end of day, you get paid and go home. If you like playing it, play it. If not, it’s not the end of the world and that’s ok. Always be kind and simple, you’ll go far with that approach.
Eye-opening stuff! This is definitely a shock when you first leave uni and enter the world of work. There needs to be more education on this - they both speak a lot of sense!
Even being self employed has its challenges. Managing employees is also difficult. Especially in conservative social countries like in Asia when your employees are much older than you
I quit my corporate job as well, one of the main reasons was that I wasn’t open to play those games. Don’t get me wrong, I was good at my job, I brought results and had good relationships, but I didn’t want that part, I didn’t care. I’m not saying that I’m better for that, in fact I admire people who know how to play politics and organizational strategies, I really believe that this is a quality and a talent... it’s just that it is not for me and my personality.
Regadless of you are employed Or self employed unless you are the only resource working for your company, these strategies are well valid for some to adopt, even if you run your own show those working under you need to be managed and the networking with stakeh do matter and relevant
It’s rife! I have been the victim of office politics on several occasions. Hard work just doesn’t cut it anymore. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!
You can tell she has fucked over many people and knows what it takes to play politics in the corporate office space. She may not be good at the job and suck at working a computer but she definitely is your manager and knows people far higher up in the chain.
i get the sense that it comes down to thinking like a sociopath, figuring out who will best serve you to get what you want from the job. If you dont play that game, youre shunned.
This is EXACTLY why I refuse promotions. I quit my most recent position because they tried to force me into an RM role (I’ve been an OM for 20 years in two large corporations). If the choices are to play politics or accomplish nothing, I will chose to accomplish nothing 100% of the time for the sake of my happiness and soul. If a coworker doesn’t volunteer information needed for the company to succeed because they don’t like me then that person is being unprofessional and should be terminated. Humans will continue to be limited until they choose to do what’s objectively right because it’s right, not because the right asses were kissed or you did something objectively wrong in a compromise.
This is a great reminder to make relationship building a priority in every area. What if you could simply learn how to like and appreciate more types of people? A great point to ponder: How do other people feel when they are around you?
This video was great, and all notes were on point. Politics, both influence & power, are needed to foster your career by identify threats, take advantage of opportunities, and know when to move on.
You know I never had any intention of going into business before watching this video but now after watching and listening really carefully to this video... I think I somehow have even LESS intention now
One of my senior told me , you got to know politics well to read the mind your opponents and to move accordingly but you should be genuine and should not loose your values .
When I highlighted the issue to my senior manager he acknowledged but to my surprise in my performance review it was mentioned I need to develop my leadership skills delegation and collaboration skills. In my 15 plus experience in the same company this was the first time I got such feedback. My senior manager is blind sided with the matter and very partial. There is also cultural issue where this group is from same country and I’m odd numbered.
I am Black in corporate. A white woman threw me under the bus and there was nothing I could do. If you are minority, the cards are stacked against you. You just have to learn and play extra hard
While we all get trained on some or other skills either technical or softskills, there is no organization ,I presume, which trains people on "Office Politics", So it is important to be cautious and keep your eyes and ears open to deal with office politics.
I think I need to listen to this interview daily to actually absorb most of this intelligence. It's as complicated as it is- office politic- I didn't really know it until this video. btw, the interviewer's questions are straight to the points and the authors' answer is illuminating.
This is a great interview! Simply great! I facilitate classes on leadership for the American Management Association- this is great knowledge and wisdom!! I am definitely ordering their book!
Office politics is very easy for me: I only fight battles I know I can win. Other than that, you have to eat shit and smile. That's all there is to it. I also just tell people what they want to hear and then basically forget about it. If it's important enough it will come up again. If they ask what happened the first time I'll make an excuse or say I haven't yet gotten to it. If they get upset I say it wasn't impressed upon me as an urgent priority. That's my corporate survival strategy.
Michael Bolton, it's a strategy of passive aggression. I've gotten to SVP playing the game which is probably farther than you have or will ever get. So fuck off shitbird.
Milton754, often times things aren't done the way you think they should be. Many times things aren't done the way I want, but it's not my business if it's in another department. So, I have to let it go. Keeping my mouth shut is extremely difficult, but if you have no dog in the fight then keep it closed. There are people in our office with big mouths and opinions, and those people are usually trouble because they totally fuck up morale and pit the team against each other. I have let go of half a dozen people in the last 14 years for that kind of thing. Everyone wants things their way. So, either work your way to the top and have the luxury of speaking your mind or start your own company. Otherwise, I don't appreciate people coming into my shop and fucking up what I worked so hard to build just because they want to appease their egos or practice misguided objectivity.
Milton, well I admire you for that. i've taken the other road of always being polite, showing deference to authority figures, being competent, diligent, keeping quiet about things that hurt me or that i found demeaning from those in high positions. Everything i could to be as close to perfect and keep my job(s) and keep a stable income. This may stall the inevitable but it won't prevent it. if they want you gone, there isn't a thing you can do about it. I've realized that i need to be true to my dignity in the end. i will always speak up for what I think is wrong or right and my respectability. As long as it's done tactfully, you'll win half the battle. But not speaking up doesn't keep you employed either. People may want you gone because you have more education, better skills, are more attractive, etc. So do what you need to protect your well being and feel good about what you see in the mirror.
🤣🤣🤣 this is so true that’s it’s crazy, basically no accountability works because people too busy or don’t care to double check or validate any of that info
Hey folks, you need to read a piece titled The Hatchet Man's Playbook. It's all about office bullies and how to sink them before they sink you. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Sadly politics is very important. Hard work and competence is now secondary. If you are only relying on hard work and competence but neglect politics, the less competent people will just form up against you.
Very insightful… particularly, one project in Shelton, Connecticut, IBM was doing for its one of the client, many people complain about Manikhandan Ramasamy and Rajagopalan about dirty office politics. Good thing is that HR took very strong action against them and IBM actually developed the business a lot after that action!!
The best way to deal with office politics is to maintain a CLEAR CONSCIENCE. I said what I said and I'd say it again. Get your boss, get your leader, get yo mama - I'll repeat myself. My actions are ethical and kind ALWAYS. And I have no problem whatsoever dying on this hill 🤷♀️
Exactly. Office politics is pretty much another way to say conflict management or diplomacy. Office politics is *not* suppose to be about manipulation, sabotage, or competition.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Im 21. I’m going through this now. I have my first real job. I love the work but hate my job because of the games people play. I genuinely would like to go to work, do a great job, then go home. But I can never simply do that because I feel such a level of hate from certain people in the office. Specifically, older women. When I refuse to feed into the drama, it seems to make it worse. I do a great job at keeping things professional and not wearing my emotions on my sleeve but people say this comes off as arrogant and nonchalant. (Im sure if I was male, I wouldn’t be having this issue). Someone please help!
I’m sorry your work environment is toxic, I’ve had similar experiences as well. Here are somethings I learned: (1). Create loving and compassionate relationships outside work, if you come from a good family that will really help, if not try to start forming friendships with good people that are safe to hang out with. (2). Understand that what is happening at your job is not your fault at all, while there are good adults, there are also many mean and wicked adults and the work place is one of their favorite place to bully. (3). Don’t adjust yourself or attitude for anyone, just show everyone a normal level of respect and try not to let what they say bother you. (4). You already know they are haters, so don’t go to them for any personal advice, keep your discussion with them to strictly about work and flash them fake smiles from time to time. (5). Get a journal-this is very important, write in it everyday-it will help you with your mental health, help you understand what’s happening much better and also use it as record keeping-just in case you have to report to your supervisor/manager or HR. (6). If you ever feel the need to report what’s going on, do it in writing, send a Clear and Concise e-mail, start with your immediate supervisor, if he/she doesn’t do anything, then send 2nd e-mail to his manager and if your supervisor’s manager doesn’t do anything, then send 3rd e-mail to HR. Makes sure you send a blind copy of each e-mail to your personal/home e-mail for record keeping. (7). Do your best to be good at your job, learn as much as you can learn and keep a detailed note (it might be better to start a word document that you can update easily and copy/paste from) of every task/duty you did- even if you only did it one time- you are going to need this info to update your resume when you want to apply for a promotion within your company and/or when you start looking to work for another company. Also, I think after 6 months most companies allow you to apply for another position or be transferred to another department or location, this will help you get away from the bullies and start afresh. (8). When you apply to another company, maybe after 1.5 to 2 years at this company, make sure you aim for a position that is at least one level above your last position and that pays more. You really want to focus on career growth. Also, if your current company gets unbearable, you don’t have to wait up to 1.5 years before going to another company, so decide what is best for you. (9). Work smart, do a good job but don’t be a perfectionist and don’t let them use you like a slave. Avoid working overtime, you want to focus on having a good work/life balance, you are still very young so you need to make time for fun and good quality rest. (10). Love your self, if you don’t fully understand self love look it up and start being compassionate and patient with yourself. As part of self love, every day after work, try not to think of work-focus your mind on other things or just simply rest your mind. (11). Sometimes, we subconsciously come across as weak and easy to control, to help with that learn how to be assertive (not aggressive), and if you have the funds take self defense or martial arts or kick booking classes, these types of classes will help you be more confident. Good Luck and keep your chin up!
I had a similar experience. I lived the work but hatef the job because my coworkers were all snakes In the grass. They would throw you under the bus just to watch you splatter. I like to keep busy when at work. Everyone including street supervisors would stand around a lot. 1 supervisor literally cried to the owner to get me fired 2×. The owner knew I was productive so I never worried about it. I'm a team player , this place didn't have that. Owner sold to a corporation & my days were numbered. I would recommend stick it out for a while & look for another job. You can look for better pay/ benefits & you might find one where you re a better fit. As long as you keep your job while looking for another, you have leverage. US jobs suck compared to say Europe. Starting g around the 80s, We focus on squeezing more for less. .
Politics 101 Tell people what they want to hear. This is why sucking up works. Has to be done with more skill with intelligent people, less so with the ignorant. The ignorant want their ass kissed. Feed their emotions back to them. You are on their side. Bosses want to have some PhD scientist tell them they are right. People who do this are paid very well. Their feelings of persecution are useful. They are victims and you are here to tell them that there “is a conspiracy” just like they think. You will be attacked if you are independent and competent. Use the 90% rule: be 90% as competent as your boss. Mess up some things so your boss can attack you and feel superior. Don’t mess up anything that really matters. There is always a scapegoat. Make sure it isn’t you.
That's sickening. The person that's being sucked up to then is VERY stupid and very fake. They will have vipers and untrustworthy people vultures around them - no real loyalty. Wow. The good people get eaten alive.
Couldn’t agree more! I went corporate and enjoyed some of it but most of the time, I remembered thinking how much satisfying, tangible and productive my life as a tradesman was! Simply work, do the job and get paid! Corporate is like school and is advertised as being educated, smart and how we should be, yet I felt I had to be a cunning teenager! Weird how we view politics as the elite. I wish they could describe more why it is important as I struggle to see the value.
Politics will always exist, but it should never override the most important factor to why we work together in the first place, which to get the job done and get it done effectively. Politics has to be controlled because Politics often derails this process, and if completely left unchecked puts the overall goal in jeopardy because you happen to use "politics" to get into a role you don't belong in and don't have the skillset for. Politics have taken over the workplace and has now become the only reason why you get hired let alone promoted. Your skillset largely doesn't matter and quite often, if you're being hired for your skillset you best believe your manager is an incompetent fool who will burden you with the majority of the workload while they delight in all the glory.
Hi, i just want to know how to deal with your boss when he is extensively increasing the work load because he knows you don't want to quit the job right now (like i am studying as well) so how to say no if he is just increasing the workload and stress but not the salary????
Raees Butt I would evaluate your current workload and the time it takes to complete each function to complete your task. Take your evaluation and try to fit those things that are increasing your workload. If it doesn't work for you to be able to devote that time to complete each extra task, then you go and state that effectively. In order to solve a problem, you state it evaluate then present your findings. It will speak for you rather than you speaking for yourself and look as if you're complaining with no solution.
Raees Butt, the question is WHY he is doing that to you. Look around and take a look at others workers. Are they having increase in their workload too ? Also, try to imagine you at his place, how will you manage ?
Welcome to the new normal. When I started my job 3 years ago there were 5 layers of management in finance, now it is just me and the CFO :( Things seem better outside of the US, currently looking at jobs in Canada and overseas.
It seems there's an underlying assumption to this viewpoint; that we all are competing to one day be the CEO. If that's the goal then this advice makes sense. However, one of the big complaints I have about HBR in general is that the vast majority of their research is for CEOs or executives. They don't seem to have a lot to say to the majority of employees about how to navigate their jobs and achieve the modest outcomes they seek. For example, I wanted information on how to deal effectively with a boss that never stops talking. The articles I found by them were entirely useless.
From a professional managerial perspective that is absolutely correct , from a social perspective that's polishing the butter :D that's why it important for a manager not let his career take over his personal life , but the ideological common background was a very powerful point indeed
They should realistically address the Pecking Order in the Developmental Network. A Minority can find a mentor but the Good Old Boy Network is still very much alive!
I have read almost all the comments below. Readers, please don't forget, sometimes the manipulating managers behave like angles in front of the senior leadership. However, when they deal with you they behave like a prick. So, speak up, raise your voice to let your seniors know what is going on there in the middle management level. Sometimes those in middle management think that they are the franchisers of the company. Fact of the matter is that they are employees like you with one extra responsibility and that is: managing you. If they give you dung return it back to them is a professional manners. You will be surprised to see the response of the senior management. I agree that we should get involved in politics but be honest with your work and with yourself and do not exceed the limits. Otherwise, you will be the last person to know what had happed in the company a day before. REMEMBER: Only God controls our provisions, not human being.
Yes but be aware that you can get into trouble by snitching on your boss, or worse fired. You have to understand the higherups talk about everything, and most have been together for extensive years. If they see that you are wanting to take down someone powerful the one even above that powerful person will possibly want to get rid of you too. Take it from my personal expeience i went to the director about my manager and supposedly it was just between us.. Next day my manager doesnt say hello to me and instead gives me a bad look, it was off cause i usually get greeted by the manager and a smile. The director told the manager i talked about her obviously, was it wrong? yes but it diddnt stop them from firing me the next day.
My sincerest apologies Part 2 - my thoughts on office politics has to wait. I will pivot my focus on the topic of Climate Change. As an SGI leader, and a grandfather to my beloved Paeng, I cannot ignore it. I cannot promise when I will come back to the topic of office politics, but I will as soon as possible. Warmest thanks for your kind understanding. Emmanuel Matuco
So true. I once found myself in a class of less competent and less educated people. I tried to ignore them for the most part. Then one day I noticed that all the less competent people were formed up against me trying to find whatever they could to make me look bad.
I work at a gym and my manager is all about selling memberships, there’s no growth but making money at all cost. They make office politics sound like a Disneyland trip it’s not that simple.. It starts at the top and that’s leadership not the employees, the company reflects its leadership and the mission of the company.
Businesses in the U.S. currently are all shaped like a pyramid with CEO on top. To have anyone seen or treated as more valuable or respected than the others is inherently unethical. (And no, I’m not talking about pay. It makes sense that having certain skills would pay more).
Ugh. Can't believe I'm watching this. They bring up all valid points but it's just a joke that workplace corporations encourage these politics or let politics in. I'm a firm believer at how everyone should be aligned to bring positivity but like they mentioned in this video, it boils down to resources
Office politics is inherent and the main part of the challenge in any work environment.... there will always be people above you that you will not agree with and there will be always be conflict and disorder. It how we manage through this that separates us. Mostly you will find that people above you aren’t going to like you vice versa and building relationships with people that you don’t like is not always easy. It’s sometimes impossible....that’s when one decides to move on.... Linda you need to have more air in between words and try to act more human...too robotic.
Most managers do play politics and to the detriment of overall output, as they are incentivized to delegate any substantial work products or even innovations to subordinates and simply perform shows of management, rather than actually exercising it skilfully or meaningfully adding value.
11:00 total professor speak. you need to understand and know how other people 'feel' about you. Jobs come and go nowadays, don't sweat it. Otherwise you will keep yourself up at nights worrying. Just go in and do your best, you can't change how people 'feel' about you, there can be an endless list of things outside your control as to why someone doesn't like you. Its not worth time investing in. if you are in management already then you have some power, that's a bit different, but even they have to deal with cases where a new employee is hired above them, and they just don't mesh. All of the stuff they are talking about is a theoretical framework, that's all it is.
Why do 78% of corporate women want to quit only 3-5 years into their employment? One of the reasons is that there is no mutual trust and respect at work. Instead, politics are played. If you spend most of your energy wondering who's plotting behind your back and how to get to the top(by stepping all over someone else) how much energy will you have to do your job right, and feel fulfilled by your career? The crucial issue here is the existence of politics which most women do NOT feel in alignment with. Women prefer collaboration, trust and mutual love and respect. This is where their talents and creativity naturally flourish. Today's corporates do NOT operate the right systems. For a better system, without politics, look at FRISA company in Mexico.
Most deals are done on the golf course and most women don't golf. Women aren't taken seriously in the workforce I don't care what people say you have to be twice as good to be considered half as good it's still a male-dominated culture
Kissing ass to get ahead is just stupid. I use hard work, frugal living, and compound interest (dividend stocks, high yield ETFs, etc) to get ahead. I'd rather own 20,000 shares of Coca-Cola and live in a double wide than to live in a mansion and be cash-poor. When I buy a car, I drive it until it dies. I chose to never marry or have kids because I know women care about social status and I'm not into that. I've always made it a point to be completely classless. I could have $100 million dollars and I'd own tons of blue chip dividend stocks, laundromats, car washes, etc but I'd live in a very modest house and drive the same Corolla I have now. Money can't change me because I just enjoy being myself. I feel zero sense of loss in living this way because if I want something and the trifecta I mentioned a moment ago isn't enough to procure my desired outcome, then I just take that as a sign from the universe that it wasn't meant to be. Having said all that, I'd like to leave you guys with a few thoughts: 1) Never, ever do anything that makes you not like yourself. If kissing ass to get a raise or promotion would cause you to not like yourself, don't do it regardless of how much money is involved. 2) When contemplating a given action, if that action doesn't live in your heart and soul, don't do it. 3) Send out positive energy into the universe. Donate to your favorite charity. Nothing is ever lost in the universe; and if you send out positive energy, it will eventually return to you. 3) There are tons of ways to get ahead without kissing ass. Use compound interest. Start a website. Sell on eBay. Think of an idea and get it patented. 4) I did myself a great favor when I was 16 years old. I decided that I wasn't going to play the status game. I wasn't going to go for the best house and the fanciest car; I was simply going to live a modest frugal lifestyle and invest my surplus at compound interest, and occassionally give to charity. When I made this decision, I exempted myself from a lifetime of stress because so much stress in life comes from trying to keep up with the Joneses. I slammed the door shut on all of that at 16. For those of you who haven't yet stepped outside the matrix and streamlined your priorities like I have, I suggest giving it a shot. You can always go back to doing it your way if you don't like my way, so you got nothing to lose!
Has anyone encountered both management and customers/ clients from being insecure over how you dress? I once worked in a place where managers were outright telling you to not look too good? The frustrating thing was that I literally interviewed in a tie too…
Seriously - business people really are full of hot air and just as clueless as everyone else. "Just you know... try to kiss some ass" is literally all they're saying
Yeah... yet true... I believe this is part of what should be taught at school together with personnal financial management and manners (for the ones who didn't grow up within this rules system) .... I know that's a unicorn dream because that would make people equal...sigh
"Who you know determines what you get to do. And what you get to do determines what you get to know."
Hill is a genius.
Good stuff.
yeah good luck with that. teach us how to do that.
Powerful
I'll have to disagree with you on that one. You can always create networks by volunteering to participate in a few initiatives. It takes time, it makes you feel as if you are selling yourself too short, but it gets the ball rolling, and trust me, it works.
This is not always true. I have bosses that are stone-cold dumb. Nobody knows how they got promoted. It's just pure politics.
"If you don't have power, you can't stand up for what is right." This is bang on, and the exact reason I encourage all my clients to increase their workplace politic savviness.
It says a lot about a company if employees need to be in a position of power in order to do what is right.
@@NAConen exactly. This is a massive moral and objective failure of human nature. So long as we behave this way we don’t deserve to improve, evolve, or succeed.
@@NAConen My thought exactly. Corporations are not individuals themselves let alone controlled by the individuals in the office. All they see is a need for people who are good at taking orders.
This comment is part of the problem.
But what if the ones who are all in power are corrupt, immoral, unethical and wrong?
I love how the 2 speakers are really respectful of each other. No one is talking over the other or cutting the other off. They complement each other very respectfully, and that's just beautiful to watch.
They are playing politics
@@blueeeman Thank you! It is for the camera.
Seen the male actors interviewed on the Hollywood Round Table, couldn't agree more...
13 yrs ago and this advise still holds
After graduating and entering the workforce, realizing you need to play the politics game and that you can't just rely on skills and hard work is disappointing frightening. It's especially intimidating when you're trying to figure out who you are and what people think of you in a new work environment. As a new grad, sometimes it feels unnatural to try and "build a network", and I question whether I can truly progress if I don't feel like my true self at work. I think it can come off fake and people disrespect you if they can tell you are trying to play the politics game. What I try to tell myself that I do need to build networks and get recognized by senior leaders because politics is unavoidable, but I have to know my own strengths and play my own game. This is so I stay true to myself and don't feel and come off as an imposter. I like what the interviewees said that it's important that you make people feel good when they are around you.
Indeed , I faced the same and encountered with such jealousy guys. I would try my best to make sure that everyone is content from my contribution but again many would not appreciated my hard work due having grudge and animosity of what I owned and managed to make the most of it.
Oh Hello 20s it has been one year. .. how is it now ? easy or more difficult than u imagined ?
amna omar , the more one stays limited to its circle of mapping the better avoidance from the negative impact of organisational politics.
You need to read a piece titled The Hatchet Man's Playbook. It's all about office bullies and how to sink them. Absolutely spot on.
Oh Hello 20s you sound like a milenial
This is the most insightful advice you’ll ever get on office politics.
YES IKR
Just keep it simple. If your workplace is like this and your stressed, just relax. Don’t overthink it. Just get the paycheck and go home. Remember, if these people love politics so much why don’t they go be a politician? Don’t let this thing consume you, at the end of day, you get paid and go home. If you like playing it, play it. If not, it’s not the end of the world and that’s ok. Always be kind and simple, you’ll go far with that approach.
some people are naturally good at politics, sometimes these manipulator dont even realize that they are playing office politics
this hits home and good advise!
This is an ok mindset to have unless you want to become a manager and move up from being managed, to both managing and being managed.
@@brodobroggins no shit Sherlock look at what I said. And you don’t determine if someone has a good mindset or not, who the hell are you?
@@NROhvac Lol
Eye-opening stuff! This is definitely a shock when you first leave uni and enter the world of work. There needs to be more education on this - they both speak a lot of sense!
Education to perhaps teach people not to play these games and how to immediately call someone out when they attempt it.
conflict of interests. sucks but true
You need:
1.) an operational network
2.) a strategic network
3.) a developmental network
Thank God I'm self employed now so I don't have to deal with this. 8 years of playing these games was enough!
Lucky you
Congrats! This is the best way. No time to kiss ass
Even being self employed has its challenges. Managing employees is also difficult. Especially in conservative social countries like in Asia when your employees are much older than you
I quit my corporate job as well, one of the main reasons was that I wasn’t open to play those games. Don’t get me wrong, I was good at my job, I brought results and had good relationships, but I didn’t want that part, I didn’t care. I’m not saying that I’m better for that, in fact I admire people who know how to play politics and organizational strategies, I really believe that this is a quality and a talent... it’s just that it is not for me and my personality.
Regadless of you are employed Or self employed unless you are the only resource working for your company, these strategies are well valid for some to adopt, even if you run your own show those working under you need to be managed and the networking with stakeh do matter and relevant
Linda Hill is just a fountain of knowledge!
It’s rife! I have been the victim of office politics on several occasions. Hard work just doesn’t cut it anymore. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!
So the great mystery is learning how to know who you want to know
To be fair, its always been that way. Even in my grandfathers generation.
The women in the green is very intelligent and helpful and to the point.
You can tell she has fucked over many people and knows what it takes to play politics in the corporate office space. She may not be good at the job and suck at working a computer but she definitely is your manager and knows people far higher up in the chain.
@@sp6450 100% spot on !!!
Yes she spoke clear and concise
@@sp6450 and that's how office drama started. The gossip
Linda Hill is an excellent speaker.
This is great
totally
and in excellent shape as well
She is a bit too excellent, in fact. Interesting to listen to.
i get the sense that it comes down to thinking like a sociopath, figuring out who will best serve you to get what you want from the job. If you dont play that game, youre shunned.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this! Working in Corporate is exhausting and makes you a lunatic! 😳🤯
This is EXACTLY why I refuse promotions. I quit my most recent position because they tried to force me into an RM role (I’ve been an OM for 20 years in two large corporations). If the choices are to play politics or accomplish nothing, I will chose to accomplish nothing 100% of the time for the sake of my happiness and soul. If a coworker doesn’t volunteer information needed for the company to succeed because they don’t like me then that person is being unprofessional and should be terminated.
Humans will continue to be limited until they choose to do what’s objectively right because it’s right, not because the right asses were kissed or you did something objectively wrong in a compromise.
Me and you both, that’s no way to be successful
Smart! They were probably forcing you out too. Sad.
This is a great reminder to make relationship building a priority in every area. What if you could simply learn how to like and appreciate more types of people?
A great point to ponder: How do other people feel when they are around you?
This video was great, and all notes were on point. Politics, both influence & power, are needed to foster your career by identify threats, take advantage of opportunities, and know when to move on.
10 years on and still valid. Great video.
You know I never had any intention of going into business before watching this video but now after watching and listening really carefully to this video... I think I somehow have even LESS intention now
Linda Hill is freakishly smart and eloquent.
One of my senior told me , you got to know politics well to read the mind your opponents and to move accordingly but you should be genuine and should not loose your values .
i'm gonna fuck them up good
@@cryora tell me how that works for you genius.
Why does everyone spell “lose” incorrectly
@@NAConen If I am not mistaken lose and loose not same. It's a verb and adjective
I haven't had an office job but from a bird's eye view being observant is more important than being a talker.
do you think a poor communicator have a chance in this game. i think having an excellent communication skills is the pre-requisite in this game.
Very insightful. I agree with Linda, politics can be used for good, you have to have a strategic plan to navigate it.
Great video 👍 Thanks for not sugarcoating office politics. A harsh game indeed but one you have to play whether you like it or not.
Thank you so much for sharing. I am just seeing this in 2022....
Who is watching during this time of quarantine? Well, just give bribe to your boss. Kidding. Very informative, indeed.
This video helped me to understand what I needed to know about making my way through upper level management
When I highlighted the issue to my senior manager he acknowledged but to my surprise in my performance review it was mentioned I need to develop my leadership skills delegation and collaboration skills. In my 15 plus experience in the same company this was the first time I got such feedback. My senior manager is blind sided with the matter and very partial. There is also cultural issue where this group is from same country and I’m odd numbered.
I am Black in corporate. A white woman threw me under the bus and there was nothing I could do. If you are minority, the cards are stacked against you. You just have to learn and play extra hard
@@Jamluji I moved to a different team. I couldn’t stand there.
While we all get trained on some or other skills either technical or softskills, there is no organization ,I presume, which trains people on "Office Politics", So it is important to be cautious and keep your eyes and ears open to deal with office politics.
I think I need to listen to this interview daily to actually absorb most of this intelligence. It's as complicated as it is- office politic- I didn't really know it until this video.
btw, the interviewer's questions are straight to the points and the authors' answer is illuminating.
this video was part of the watch list at my master of engineering program
This is a great interview! Simply great! I facilitate classes on leadership for the American Management Association- this is great knowledge and wisdom!! I am definitely ordering their book!
Office politics is very easy for me: I only fight battles I know I can win. Other than that, you have to eat shit and smile. That's all there is to it. I also just tell people what they want to hear and then basically forget about it. If it's important enough it will come up again. If they ask what happened the first time I'll make an excuse or say I haven't yet gotten to it. If they get upset I say it wasn't impressed upon me as an urgent priority. That's my corporate survival strategy.
Michael Bolton, it's a strategy of passive aggression. I've gotten to SVP playing the game which is probably farther than you have or will ever get. So fuck off shitbird.
Milton754, often times things aren't done the way you think they should be. Many times things aren't done the way I want, but it's not my business if it's in another department. So, I have to let it go. Keeping my mouth shut is extremely difficult, but if you have no dog in the fight then keep it closed. There are people in our office with big mouths and opinions, and those people are usually trouble because they totally fuck up morale and pit the team against each other. I have let go of half a dozen people in the last 14 years for that kind of thing. Everyone wants things their way. So, either work your way to the top and have the luxury of speaking your mind or start your own company. Otherwise, I don't appreciate people coming into my shop and fucking up what I worked so hard to build just because they want to appease their egos or practice misguided objectivity.
Milton, well I admire you for that. i've taken the other road of always being polite, showing deference to authority figures, being competent, diligent, keeping quiet about things that hurt me or that i found demeaning from those in high positions. Everything i could to be as close to perfect and keep my job(s) and keep a stable income. This may stall the inevitable but it won't prevent it. if they want you gone, there isn't a thing you can do about it. I've realized that i need to be true to my dignity in the end. i will always speak up for what I think is wrong or right and my respectability. As long as it's done tactfully, you'll win half the battle. But not speaking up doesn't keep you employed either. People may want you gone because you have more education, better skills, are more attractive, etc. So do what you need to protect your well being and feel good about what you see in the mirror.
🤣🤣🤣 this is so true that’s it’s crazy, basically no accountability works because people too busy or don’t care to double check or validate any of that info
Hey folks, you need to read a piece titled The Hatchet Man's Playbook. It's all about office bullies and how to sink them before they sink you. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Thank you!
Thanks and I did!
Thank you for the recommendation!
Thank you. I'll check it out.
Thanks!!
You did an excellent job on renovating your home. Your rug pulls the room together since it looks charcoal and white and your couch is charcoal too.
Wish I was more formally educated in this subject prior to the start of my work career.
We’d probably all be more productive if there were fewer games, geez.
Still feeling helping when watching this after 13 years
So this was published in 2011, that's about when I needed it, but I only find it ten years later late
wow Linda summed it up so well.. goosebumbs
what did Linda say about the summary?
It was a chore getting through this.
Office politics exists because of insecurity or lack of ability/confidence to do the delegated tasks
Wow, you couldn't be more wrong. Pay attention to the very first bit the lady talked about in the beginning of the interview.
There shouldn't have to be a delegated task if you employ diligently and non emotionally
I used to think like that too. But it becomes unavoidable as you going higher in the ladder even if you are super skilled
Sadly politics is very important. Hard work and competence is now secondary.
If you are only relying on hard work and competence but neglect politics, the less competent people will just form up against you.
Yeap every time
Good suggestions, office politics are crazy in my office.
thank God I'm self employed, no Narcissistically abusive bosses or office politics to worry about!
If you're the boss of your own company, it may grow to the point where you become the bad guy!
Life is all politics. Realized this at age 38. Family, work and friends. Learn the game.Period.
Why do you believe life is all politics? What is your evidence?
14:25 is the best teaching I got from this video
Very insightful… particularly, one project in Shelton, Connecticut, IBM was doing for its one of the client, many people complain about Manikhandan Ramasamy and Rajagopalan about dirty office politics. Good thing is that HR took very strong action against them and IBM actually developed the business a lot after that action!!
The best way to deal with office politics is to maintain a CLEAR CONSCIENCE. I said what I said and I'd say it again. Get your boss, get your leader, get yo mama - I'll repeat myself. My actions are ethical and kind ALWAYS. And I have no problem whatsoever dying on this hill 🤷♀️
Sierra !!!! 🤌🤌🤌🤌🫡📝
Exactly. Office politics is pretty much another way to say conflict management or diplomacy.
Office politics is *not* suppose to be about manipulation, sabotage, or competition.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Im 21. I’m going through this now. I have my first real job. I love the work but hate my job because of the games people play. I genuinely would like to go to work, do a great job, then go home. But I can never simply do that because I feel such a level of hate from certain people in the office. Specifically, older women.
When I refuse to feed into the drama, it seems to make it worse. I do a great job at keeping things professional and not wearing my emotions on my sleeve but people say this comes off as arrogant and nonchalant. (Im sure if I was male, I wouldn’t be having this issue). Someone please help!
I wish I could help you but that's very common. I've encountered this time and time again.
I’m sorry your work environment is toxic, I’ve had similar experiences as well. Here are somethings I learned: (1). Create loving and compassionate relationships outside work, if you come from a good family that will really help, if not try to start forming friendships with good people that are safe to hang out with. (2). Understand that what is happening at your job is not your fault at all, while there are good adults, there are also many mean and wicked adults and the work place is one of their favorite place to bully. (3). Don’t adjust yourself or attitude for anyone, just show everyone a normal level of respect and try not to let what they say bother you. (4). You already know they are haters, so don’t go to them for any personal advice, keep your discussion with them to strictly about work and flash them fake smiles from time to time. (5). Get a journal-this is very important, write in it everyday-it will help you with your mental health, help you understand what’s happening much better and also use it as record keeping-just in case you have to report to your supervisor/manager or HR. (6). If you ever feel the need to report what’s going on, do it in writing, send a Clear and Concise e-mail, start with your immediate supervisor, if he/she doesn’t do anything, then send 2nd e-mail to his manager and if your supervisor’s manager doesn’t do anything, then send 3rd e-mail to HR. Makes sure you send a blind copy of each e-mail to your personal/home e-mail for record keeping. (7). Do your best to be good at your job, learn as much as you can learn and keep a detailed note (it might be better to start a word document that you can update easily and copy/paste from) of every task/duty you did- even if you only did it one time- you are going to need this info to update your resume when you want to apply for a promotion within your company and/or when you start looking to work for another company. Also, I think after 6 months most companies allow you to apply for another position or be transferred to another department or location, this will help you get away from the bullies and start afresh. (8). When you apply to another company, maybe after 1.5 to 2 years at this company, make sure you aim for a position that is at least one level above your last position and that pays more. You really want to focus on career growth. Also, if your current company gets unbearable, you don’t have to wait up to 1.5 years before going to another company, so decide what is best for you. (9). Work smart, do a good job but don’t be a perfectionist and don’t let them use you like a slave. Avoid working overtime, you want to focus on having a good work/life balance, you are still very young so you need to make time for fun and good quality rest. (10). Love your self, if you don’t fully understand self love look it up and start being compassionate and patient with yourself. As part of self love, every day after work, try not to think of work-focus your mind on other things or just simply rest your mind. (11). Sometimes, we subconsciously come across as weak and easy to control, to help with that learn how to be assertive (not aggressive), and if you have the funds take self defense or martial arts or kick booking classes, these types of classes will help you be more confident. Good Luck and keep your chin up!
I’m 25 now and now I can see the snakes at work just pretend to like them
I had a similar experience.
I lived the work but hatef the job because my coworkers were all snakes In the grass.
They would throw you under the bus just to watch you splatter.
I like to keep busy when at work. Everyone including street supervisors would stand around a lot.
1 supervisor literally cried to the owner to get me fired 2×.
The owner knew I was productive so I never worried about it.
I'm a team player , this place didn't have that.
Owner sold to a corporation & my days were numbered.
I would recommend stick it out for a while & look for another job.
You can look for better pay/ benefits & you might find one where you re a better fit.
As long as you keep your job while looking for another, you have leverage.
US jobs suck compared to say Europe.
Starting g around the 80s, We focus on squeezing more for less.
.
You’re not entirely correct, my dear. I’m a male and I experience exactly the same thing. Hope things have gotten better for you.
high school never left our side....office politics did not end at all
Politics 101
Tell people what they want to hear. This is why sucking up works. Has to be done with more skill with intelligent people, less so with the ignorant. The ignorant want their ass kissed.
Feed their emotions back to them. You are on their side. Bosses want to have some PhD scientist tell them they are right. People who do this are paid very well. Their feelings of persecution are useful. They are victims and you are here to tell them that there “is a conspiracy” just like they think.
You will be attacked if you are independent and competent. Use the 90% rule: be 90% as competent as your boss. Mess up some things so your boss can attack you and feel superior. Don’t mess up anything that really matters.
There is always a scapegoat. Make sure it isn’t you.
That's sickening. The person that's being sucked up to then is VERY stupid and very fake. They will have vipers and untrustworthy people vultures around them - no real loyalty. Wow. The good people get eaten alive.
What if you are the scapegoat.. what then ?
Pure Gold! Thanks for the interview!!!
Ugh, this is so depressing! So much of this nonsense ends up being so costly and destructive and completely overlooks the task at hand!
Couldn’t agree more! I went corporate and enjoyed some of it but most of the time, I remembered thinking how much satisfying, tangible and productive my life as a tradesman was! Simply work, do the job and get paid! Corporate is like school and is advertised as being educated, smart and how we should be, yet I felt I had to be a cunning teenager! Weird how we view politics as the elite. I wish they could describe more why it is important as I struggle to see the value.
Yeah like wtf is wrong with these people??
This is how the world works too. Hence the destruction.
Politics will always exist, but it should never override the most important factor to why we work together in the first place, which to get the job done and get it done effectively. Politics has to be controlled because Politics often derails this process, and if completely left unchecked puts the overall goal in jeopardy because you happen to use "politics" to get into a role you don't belong in and don't have the skillset for.
Politics have taken over the workplace and has now become the only reason why you get hired let alone promoted. Your skillset largely doesn't matter and quite often, if you're being hired for your skillset you best believe your manager is an incompetent fool who will burden you with the majority of the workload while they delight in all the glory.
Fantastic conversation. Would enjoy so much more of this.
wow.. these two are brilliant!
Hi, i just want to know how to deal with your boss when he is extensively increasing the work load because he knows you don't want to quit the job right now (like i am studying as well) so how to say no if he is just increasing the workload and stress but not the salary????
Raees Butt I would evaluate your current workload and the time it takes to complete each function to complete your task. Take your evaluation and try to fit those things that are increasing your workload. If it doesn't work for you to be able to devote that time to complete each extra task, then you go and state that effectively. In order to solve a problem, you state it evaluate then present your findings. It will speak for you rather than you speaking for yourself and look as if you're complaining with no solution.
Raees Butt, the question is WHY he is doing that to you. Look around and take a look at others workers. Are they having increase in their workload too ? Also, try to imagine you at his place, how will you manage ?
Welcome to the new normal. When I started my job 3 years ago there were 5 layers of management in finance, now it is just me and the CFO :(
Things seem better outside of the US, currently looking at jobs in Canada and overseas.
How about if u are a loner or socially akward. I am terrible at office politics.
Rsd Julien, Google him
Wow she is spot on
I failed Office Politics and got myself fired. Welp.
C. Lincoln how
oh dear!
You're not the only one.
I was failing so I quit because I did not want to play that awful game
It seems there's an underlying assumption to this viewpoint; that we all are competing to one day be the CEO. If that's the goal then this advice makes sense. However, one of the big complaints I have about HBR in general is that the vast majority of their research is for CEOs or executives. They don't seem to have a lot to say to the majority of employees about how to navigate their jobs and achieve the modest outcomes they seek. For example, I wanted information on how to deal effectively with a boss that never stops talking. The articles I found by them were entirely useless.
From a professional managerial perspective that is absolutely correct , from a social perspective that's polishing the butter :D that's why it important for a manager not let his career take over his personal life , but the ideological common background was a very powerful point indeed
Great advise on organisational politics. Thank you.
I really hope I would be as enlightened as them when I get to their age. I get so much stress from office politics.
They should realistically address the Pecking Order in the Developmental Network. A Minority can find a mentor but the Good Old Boy Network is still very much alive!
I have read almost all the comments below. Readers, please don't forget, sometimes the manipulating managers behave like angles in front of the senior leadership. However, when they deal with you they behave like a prick. So, speak up, raise your voice to let your seniors know what is going on there in the middle management level. Sometimes those in middle management think that they are the franchisers of the company. Fact of the matter is that they are employees like you with one extra responsibility and that is: managing you. If they give you dung return it back to them is a professional manners. You will be surprised to see the response of the senior management. I agree that we should get involved in politics but be honest with your work and with yourself and do not exceed the limits. Otherwise, you will be the last person to know what had happed in the company a day before. REMEMBER: Only God controls our provisions, not human being.
Yes but be aware that you can get into trouble by snitching on your boss, or worse fired. You have to understand the higherups talk about everything, and most have been together for extensive years. If they see that you are wanting to take down someone powerful the one even above that powerful person will possibly want to get rid of you too. Take it from my personal expeience i went to the director about my manager and supposedly it was just between us.. Next day my manager doesnt say hello to me and instead gives me a bad look, it was off cause i usually get greeted by the manager and a smile. The director told the manager i talked about her obviously, was it wrong? yes but it diddnt stop them from firing me the next day.
My sincerest apologies Part 2 - my thoughts on office politics has to wait. I will pivot my focus on the topic of Climate Change. As an SGI leader, and a grandfather to my beloved Paeng, I cannot ignore it. I cannot promise when I will come back to the topic of office politics, but I will as soon as possible. Warmest thanks for your kind understanding. Emmanuel Matuco
You are in most cases excluded when you are too competent that it threatens the competency of higher ups or self-serving people.
So true. I once found myself in a class of less competent and less educated people. I tried to ignore them for the most part. Then one day I noticed that all the less competent people were formed up against me trying to find whatever they could to make me look bad.
@@mark01ization i hate that. what i do is to gang everyone with me against that guy. because F that guy lol.
Guess lots of folks will struggle with office politics in 2022 work from home environment
I work at a gym and my manager is all about selling memberships, there’s no growth but making money at all cost. They make office politics sound like a Disneyland trip it’s not that simple..
It starts at the top and that’s leadership not the employees, the company reflects its leadership and the mission of the company.
It is the first time in my life to hear that (lack of power corrupts)😮
Is there a way to navigate office politics with compassion?
Businesses in the U.S. currently are all shaped like a pyramid with CEO on top. To have anyone seen or treated as more valuable or respected than the others is inherently unethical. (And no, I’m not talking about pay. It makes sense that having certain skills would pay more).
I found this to be very informative!
Shout out to Darth Vader for breathing so heavily into the microphone.
Wow! They are all sitting really close to each other. Watching this post-COVID…
It's interesting to listen to them.
I’m curious if these games are necessary when you’re self employed? Anyone have a take?
what is the book they recomended?
Ugh. Can't believe I'm watching this. They bring up all valid points but it's just a joke that workplace corporations encourage these politics or let politics in. I'm a firm believer at how everyone should be aligned to bring positivity but like they mentioned in this video, it boils down to resources
Office politics is inherent and the main part of the challenge in any work environment.... there will always be people above you that you will not agree with and there will be always be conflict and disorder. It how we manage through this that separates us. Mostly you will find that people above you aren’t going to like you vice versa and building relationships with people that you don’t like is not always easy. It’s sometimes impossible....that’s when one decides to move on....
Linda you need to have more air in between words and try to act more human...too robotic.
Powerful message
Fine woman Linda both physically and also with her words
I am curious that could I apply everything the video has mentioned into software company as a programmer
I need to get that book. Very Insightful
The nonverbals at 14:02-14:05 are pretty interesting.
I just find it funny that an office job, where you're indoors all day, requires you to wear a dress shirt and tie everyday.
Most managers do play politics and to the detriment of overall output, as they are incentivized to delegate any substantial work products or even innovations to subordinates and simply perform shows of management, rather than actually exercising it skilfully or meaningfully adding value.
11:00 total professor speak. you need to understand and know how other people 'feel' about you. Jobs come and go nowadays, don't sweat it. Otherwise you will keep yourself up at nights worrying. Just go in and do your best, you can't change how people 'feel' about you, there can be an endless list of things outside your control as to why someone doesn't like you. Its not worth time investing in. if you are in management already then you have some power, that's a bit different, but even they have to deal with cases where a new employee is hired above them, and they just don't mesh. All of the stuff they are talking about is a theoretical framework, that's all it is.
Why do 78% of corporate women want to quit only 3-5 years into their employment? One of the reasons is that there is no mutual trust and respect at work. Instead, politics are played. If you spend most of your energy wondering who's plotting behind your back and how to get to the top(by stepping all over someone else) how much energy will you have to do your job right, and feel fulfilled by your career? The crucial issue here is the existence of politics which most women do NOT feel in alignment with. Women prefer collaboration, trust and mutual love and respect. This is where their talents and creativity naturally flourish. Today's corporates do NOT operate the right systems. For a better system, without politics, look at FRISA company in Mexico.
Most deals are done on the golf course and most women don't golf. Women aren't taken seriously in the workforce I don't care what people say you have to be twice as good to be considered half as good it's still a male-dominated culture
Yeah okay 🤣🤣
Kissing ass to get ahead is just stupid. I use hard work, frugal living, and compound interest (dividend stocks, high yield ETFs, etc) to get ahead. I'd rather own 20,000 shares of Coca-Cola and live in a double wide than to live in a mansion and be cash-poor. When I buy a car, I drive it until it dies. I chose to never marry or have kids because I know women care about social status and I'm not into that. I've always made it a point to be completely classless. I could have $100 million dollars and I'd own tons of blue chip dividend stocks, laundromats, car washes, etc but I'd live in a very modest house and drive the same Corolla I have now. Money can't change me because I just enjoy being myself. I feel zero sense of loss in living this way because if I want something and the trifecta I mentioned a moment ago isn't enough to procure my desired outcome, then I just take that as a sign from the universe that it wasn't meant to be.
Having said all that, I'd like to leave you guys with a few thoughts:
1) Never, ever do anything that makes you not like yourself. If kissing ass to get a raise or promotion would cause you to not like yourself, don't do it regardless of how much money is involved.
2) When contemplating a given action, if that action doesn't live in your heart and soul, don't do it.
3) Send out positive energy into the universe. Donate to your favorite charity. Nothing is ever lost in the universe; and if you send out positive energy, it will eventually return to you.
3) There are tons of ways to get ahead without kissing ass. Use compound interest. Start a website. Sell on eBay. Think of an idea and get it patented.
4) I did myself a great favor when I was 16 years old. I decided that I wasn't going to play the status game. I wasn't going to go for the best house and the fanciest car; I was simply going to live a modest frugal lifestyle and invest my surplus at compound interest, and occassionally give to charity. When I made this decision, I exempted myself from a lifetime of stress because so much stress in life comes from trying to keep up with the Joneses. I slammed the door shut on all of that at 16. For those of you who haven't yet stepped outside the matrix and streamlined your priorities like I have, I suggest giving it a shot. You can always go back to doing it your way if you don't like my way, so you got nothing to lose!
Very insightful. Thank you. :)
They are seated so closely together lol
Has anyone encountered both management and customers/ clients from being insecure over how you dress? I once worked in a place where managers were outright telling you to not look too good? The frustrating thing was that I literally interviewed in a tie too…
This is exactly why I work for myself.
This is the most depressing thing I have ever watched!
Seriously - business people really are full of hot air and just as clueless as everyone else. "Just you know... try to kiss some ass" is literally all they're saying
Agree!!!
Yeah... yet true... I believe this is part of what should be taught at school together with personnal financial management and manners (for the ones who didn't grow up within this rules system) .... I know that's a unicorn dream because that would make people equal...sigh
😂😂😂😂😂😂
I agree, plus the authors are lacking of any charisma. lol
Great video. Thank you.
How to Network::: Suck up to the Boss.
This is not office politics this is simply office dynamics.