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Escaping the politics in an organization

Post a Comment August 3, 2009 – 10:05 am | Permalink |  Print This Post |

During our B-school days, we had a chapter in Organization Behavior named ‘Power and Politics’. At that time we used to laugh at the concept but having spent substantial period in the corporate world, I will advice people to take it very seriously because ultimately that will be the most important chapter. Typical to any setup where group of individuals flock together for a cause (whatever it may be), there is always a power struggle involved and people resort to politics for immediate gains. Though it may be good in the short run, there are enough instances that in the long run it proves disastrous for everyone. Rather than a win-lose game, it becomes a lose-lose gain.

Many a times the consultant is caught in this power struggle and becomes the scapegoat when one person vents out his frustration on the other.  While there is no magic formula and that it is easier said than done, consultants need to stay clear of all this because the mess becomes uglier and uglier.

Some of the ground rules which may help:

(1)    Always take a neutral stand

(2)    Mark your mails to all concerned so that there is no room for anybody left out

(3)    Maintain a transparency in your dealings e.g. you have been hired by the IT team and whenever you meet the business, keep the IT team in loop

(4)    Keep your eyes and ears open but your mouth shut when you are listening to the view points

(5)    Hold on to your values and ethics. You will command a lot of respect

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