Feeling Stuck in Office Politics: Should I Stay or Look for a New Job?

Hi Seniors,

I am currently employed in a company where I find lots and lots of politics.

One particular wing of the organization, which is considered to be the most important as that wing brings a lot of revenues, is out of control and so disorganized, and everyone takes up their position for silly reasons.

Also, as an HR professional, I am able to see bad elements at work.

My own boss is playing a double game and hardly I could trust him. He is so unstable and does not set an example as a leader. He is very much swayed by the strong group, which would keep him in the job. He delegates lots of jobs to me and makes it appear as though I have taken it up voluntarily. It gives a wrong picture to others that I unnecessarily involve in others' domain. Also, he says whatever a person in the revenue-yielding wing says is correct and I am wrong, and importance should be given only to them. This can also be called a step-mother attitude towards our wing, as he does not provide enough tools to carry out the duties irrespective of repeated requests.

I have adjusted so much to them and have to lose my self-respect as they try to show their unreasonable upper-handedness.

Is my decision to look out for another job right? Or should I continue to stay in the same company?

I need your advice in this regard!

Also, advise on how an organization should be managed.

Hello,

Your decision to look out for another job may or may not be right. If politics is the only or a main reason, then let me assure you that there is politics in all walks of life and in all forms of organizations. You can never get away from organizational politics permanently.

Organizational politics is the pollution that vitiates the organizational atmosphere and makes performance dim and also weakens good people. In due course, attrition will be very high, but no one will ever admit to politics.

HR, apart from many other things, is a "conscience-keeping" function. The level at which HR is placed is immaterial. We have to be diplomatic, earn acceptance from the people we work with, gain their confidence, and establish our credibility. A few things that must be noted carefully and practiced dedicatedly are:

1) Organization is above all.

2) Harmonize people's aspirations with organizational needs.

3) Transparency in actions.

4) Always act bona fide and never avoid accounting for your bona fide.

5) Practice consistency, continuity, and equitability.

6) Value sanctification.

There are many more items on the list.

It is a very difficult task to eliminate politics from organizations, but when people see the paradigms on which the organizations work, they acquire appropriate organizational orientation.

It is tough but challenging and extremely satisfying to bring about transformation in organizations. One would rarely succeed fully, but the nearer you reach your goals in this matter, the greater service you are doing to the organization.

Each one has to decide for himself/herself. But it is the incompetent, the insecure, and the insincere lot that resort to playing politics within the organizations, as they have nothing better to do.

Consider the issue in a wider perspective, and you will have your answer. For any more assistance, the forum is always here anyway!

Regards,

Samvedan

June 29, 2007

Thank you so much, Mr. Samvedan. Please also advise on how we can stop such bad practices like people who mobilize others to work against the management, spreading negative remarks against management. Also, those who treat their subordinates with a hard hand like a taskmaster kind, and keep management people out of their account of the domain unchecked for any reason whatsoever. Unfair practices in this domain are just a few examples. Please advise: Is turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to what's happening a solution to a peaceful life? Rising up in the same organization amidst the seniors, is it an impossible task, or is it true? If false, how long will it take? Please also advise, will good leadership face opposition and hatred?

Hello, Your decision to look out for another job may or may not be right. If politics is the only or the main reason, then let me assure you that there is politics in all walks of life and in all forms of organizations. You can never get away from organizational politics permanently. Organizational politics is the pollution that vitiates the organizational atmosphere, makes performance dim, and weakens good people. In course time, the attrition will be very high, but no one will ever admit to politics. HR, apart from many other things, is a "conscience-keeping" function. The level at which HR is placed is immaterial. We have to be diplomatic, earn acceptance of the people we work with, gain their confidence, and establish our credibility. A few things that must be noted carefully and practiced dedicatedly are: 1) Organization is above all. 2) Harmonize people's aspirations with organizational needs. 3) Transparency in actions. 4) Always act bona fide and never avoid accounting for your bona fide. 5) Practice consistency, continuity, and equitability. 6) Value sanctification. There are many more items on the list. It is a very difficult task to eliminate politics from organizations, but when people see the paradigms on which the organizations work, they acquire appropriate organizational orientation. It is tough but challenging and extremely satisfying to bring about transformation in the organizations. One would rarely succeed fully, but the nearer you reach your goals in this matter, the greater service you are doing to the organization. Each one has to decide for himself/herself. But it is the incompetent, the insecure, and the insincere lot that resort to playing politics within the organizations, as they have nothing better to do. Consider the issue in a wider perspective, and you will have your answer. For any more assistance, the forum is always here anyway! Regards, Samvedan June 29, 2007

Hi,

Turning a deaf ear is no solution to a peaceful atmosphere and relationships. That will amount to giving up the fight for the "good" and giving in to the "evil" to "win" and destroy the organization eventually! If at all one reaches "peace," it will be short-lived.

In organizations, "competence" has no substitute as it is the only input that keeps the organization growing and prospering. The path of competence, honesty, and moral values was never easy. The struggle on this path is unavoidable.

Good leadership is not about being "good" to people whether they deserve it or not! In an organizational context, good leadership only means effective leadership that is able to "deliver" within the norms of fairness, ethics, and values.

Since the organization is dynamic, at every step, it needs an "appropriate" input. One standard approach is unlikely to win at all times in all situations. Therefore, sometimes one has to follow the soft approach, while on other occasions, one may have to take a tough stand on issues and insist upon a particular line of action. Unipolar strategies do not work under all conditions.

I recommend an approach of education, practice, and leading by setting an example. One must not worry too much about criticism, rudeness, and neglect beyond a point. Ultimately, one must understand that a "system" can be changed only from within and not from outside. Like Dr. Covey says, "We are all guarding a gate of change within us, and it can be opened only from inside."

Having said all that, I also state that despite the best of our efforts and inputs, if the situations remain unchanged, it would be uneconomical to continue to "break our heads against the wall," as it were. Each one of us has a right to be in a sane society. The only problem is to decide when "enough is enough," and in these matters, one has to go only by his own judgment based on his assessment of the situation.

Regards,

Samvedan

June 30, 2007

Hi Roshdavid,

I totally agree with what Sam says. I have had a similar kind of situation or even worse, to the extent of being accused of sexual harassment within one month of joining. So, don't expect anything; we are bound to manage this, but at what cost is the real question.

Every time, I have to prove myself to the management that I am innocent, and someone is playing politics. Despite knowing who is behind this, they choose to ignore it.

At first, I also felt frustrated like you, but it doesn't make sense. If we can't handle a few creatures like this, we are not professionals. Go slow or involve yourself in formulating policies or strategies so that you don't get trapped in operational issues. Be polite, wear a smile even if you are burning inside. Do your job in a diplomatic way; don't take it hard.

You can always change your job, but ensure it is good for you in all aspects. Look for career growth rather than just a job.

Regards,

Vijayakumar

Dear Rosh,

I have also gone through such a situation. First of all, I tried to make my place free from politics occurring at the workplace. I have attempted to communicate with all top management to change their attitude and leadership style.

Despite this, a few people played politics against me as I stood up for the truth. Even after facing setbacks, I did not lose my confidence and respect. They even attempted to terminate my services. However, the truth prevailed. A strong supporter of my attitude helped change the situation. Although their attitude remained unchanged, I was fortunate to secure a better opportunity with a world-class organization. Upon my exit, I informed my CEO that if the current culture persisted, they should be prepared to seek employment elsewhere.

A similar situation has arisen now. The individual experienced significant losses in business due to competition fueled by a political environment. Unfortunately, no efforts were made to enhance products, allowing competitors to gain an advantage.

In my opinion, it is essential to understand your responsibilities and act accordingly. If you have faith, opportunities will arise for you to prove yourself in your current role or elsewhere.

Regards,

Virendra

Dear All,

Thank you so much for all your replies. Your wisdom and guidance are awesome. The knowledge that is not shared is valueless. Thank you for generously sharing your knowledge and experience, not just for me but for all those who read this forum.

Currently, there is a situation where there is a dire need for proper infrastructure and software. I feel that this is the time to share my knowledge and ideas with the management when they revamp the software. I have framed everything, but my manager always rejects my input; very rarely, he accepts. Convincing him is a big task, I should say. He also does not want to cc my higher boss, but I don't know if he would genuinely take up my ideas to his boss. Some time back, after my oral requests gave no result, I sent an email with a cc to the higher official. Somehow, he managed the situation, but he rebuked me for doing so. Now, please advise me if I should cc the higher boss as well on all the proposals I have framed for a new system.

I am expecting your valuable advice on this as well.

Regards,

Roshdavid.

Hi,

This method of marking CC will irritate any person. If you really need a solution with the prior information for your super boss, you can mark BCC. Please don't keep complaining continuously; it will not create a good impression. It's better to send some good emails to your boss and the super boss.

Don't expect them to accept all your requests, even if they are worth considering. I'm not saying that the boss is always right, but prepare yourself for the position.

Regards,

Vijayakumar

Thank you, Vijayakumar, for your advice.

Actually, I wanted to be transparent. Before I could send an email of request, I tried my best to work with the tech to sort out the problem myself. In front of others, he projected that this job is not very important as this was not a money matter, i.e., not production-related.

This is what I called a step-mother attitude. Though I did tell him before I could mail, he was busy and didn't take it so seriously. It was not a complaint but a request for help in technical terms. He said having cc'ed the super boss had put an impression that he was not taking care of the problem, but I was trying to say that this had to be acted upon quickly, and I was just trying to help him.

Also, I did this nearly two weeks before, having realized that that particular work would come to a grinding halt. However, my super boss took it very seriously and acted on it immediately.

Actually speaking, many aspects of administrative work have been hindered now because of the above-mentioned problem.

As you have said, the boss will not accept all ideas, but the essential ones have to be accepted and encouraged instead of turning a person down.

As suggested, I will try sending some good inspirational emails at times.

Also, competence is the best weapon to bring down politics. Also, the inside-out change would affect the whole organization.

I have noted every point shared, and I will try to follow wherever I work. Also, please feel free to share your experiences that may help all of us thrive in corporate politics.

Thank you once again.

Regards,

RoshDavid

Hello Friend,

In every organization, there is a game of politics, but in your organization, the nature of politics is so rubbish that I can't even imagine. I think your boss also takes a share of the revenue generated. What I would like to suggest is that you have two options:

1) You report this to senior authority without disclosing this matter to anyone (secretly or confidently) and ask those authorities to make a surprise visit to the office.

2) You can quit the job, but remember this does not mean that you will not find politics in other organizations.

Regards,
Harish Kumar.