Politics - no easy game this!
THE POLITICAL game is just that- a game. Or is it? The analogy does seem suitable because, in business, as in sport, we perform better when our competitive instinct is sparked. Both have a set of unwritten rules and codes of conduct that oversee how the game is played.
However, the fact remains that workplace politics is not your usual kind of game. Understanding how it differs from sports or games can improve your chances of success.
Unlike a real game, where skills count, in politics, who you know is more important than what you know. A real game has a set of rules that everyone follows.
In politics, however, the rules change and they're open to interpretation. Appealing to a precedent or to others' sense of fairness may not work. You have to rely on your gut feeling for survival.
A real game has referees and judges. In workplace politics, there is no one you can go whining to, and there is no process for appeal.
Players do whatever makes sense to them. Watch out for yourself. Else you might end up paying the penalty for someone else's fouls.
In sport, there is a definite winner. In the enduring game of office politics, there is no such differentiation. There are games, games within games, plots within games, plots within plots, twists and turns and hairpin bends that can change course in a fraction of a second.
And of course, there is no conclusion, unless you opt to retire. As long as the organisation exists, and you work there, you participate in its politics.
Be careful of what you say and how you act. Be aware that people might remember anything you do, and it might haunt you for months or even years down the line.
A real game has periods of play and rest; workplace politics is 24/7. It can be an extreme endurance test, so be sure to monitor and space out your own energy reserves. And, rest when you can.
If you allow yourself to be consumed by the passion of the political game, it could result in stress and burnout.
A real game has fixed teams of uniformed players. You know who you are up against. In workplace politics, there might be alliances, but they're fluid and changeable. You don't always know who's with whom. Some people play a double game, so be cautious. Even people you trust can be more loyal to themselves than to you.
Perhaps you might find yourself in the same kind of situation sometime. Understand and accept that this can happen, and that we must do the best we can.
In a real game, the teams are roughly of the same size, and have a similar structure and mission. In workplace politics, the size, power, strength and resources available to the players may differ markedly. The alliances are unique and unpredictable.
Even then, the motives for playing the game may differ. Success depends on learning to use what you have, rather than acquiring what you think you need.
Unlike a real game, there are no spectators in office politics. Everyone in the workplace is affected. Everyone is a participant. Last but not the least, when you lose a 'game', you are not forced into a life of stress, insecurity or end up losing your job and career. But, in office politics, you are!
There is not a facet of work immune to the game of office politics - the only way to play and win at this game is by learning to see things as they are and being true to yourself. Best of Luck!
BINDU SHRIDHAR
faqs@cnkonline.com
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