YOUNG
ENTREPRENEUR:
In the real world, if you want
to get to the top, you've got to know how to play the game. Sure, you'd like to
think that people are promoted based on their abilities and their talent. And
sometimes they are ... but if you're like me and you've worked for a big
company, you know that there's another piece to this puzzle ... and it's called
office politics. I know what you're thinking ... aren't we more evolved
than having to play political games to get where we want to? Sorry!
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR:
The office is the modern jungle .... and it's survival of the fittest! But, since you have aconscience, I'm going to tell
you how you to play in a way that is respectful, while stillmoving you in the direction you want to go. To the top!
You see, in office politics, you canplay nicely .... or you can play like Machiavelli. But if you want to go home at night feelinggood about yourself .... it's better to play nicely.
YOUNG
ENTREPRENEUR:
Here's my advice to you for how to succeed at office politics .... without becoming abackstabber. Don't keep your
head in the sand. Office politics is a reality and it's better toparticipate then to pretend it doesn't exist.
But remember, keep it positive. If you'rerespectful to your colleagues and everyone likes you, you're less likely
to get stabbed in the back.
YOUNG
ENTREPRENEUR:
Develop good relationships with your co workers. You never know when you will needsomeone on your side.
Do nice things for people when the opportunity comes up. Besupportive of your co workers, and they will
support you. Also, develop good relationships with higher ups.
YOUNG
ENTREPRENEUR:
Seek their advice - they'll appreciate your desire to grow as an employee. If possible, find
a mentor. A more experienced colleague who can offer you valuable advice. He or shecan also advocate for you when
you are being considered for a promotion. Notice howthings get done, think about the values of the company,
and gain an understanding of the culture of the organization.
YOUNG
ENTREPRENEUR:
If you show that you like the way the company works, your boss and your boss's bosseswill be happier to make
you an important part of it. Also, get to know your co workers. Ifyou seek to understand your co workers, you may avoid potential disagreements. Topmanagers know that the key to management is being a good listener and taking the time to understand the needs of the
people around them. No matter how much you don't likesomeone, don't let your anger or annoyance show.
YOUNG
ENTREPRENEUR:
Don't humiliate them, attack them, or insult them. What goes around comes around.
Your personal attack may seem justified, but by doing this, you will gain an enemy forlater. Update your skills to be relevant to the company's plans and initiatives. This will
make you a value to the company and will open doors to more opportunities and
responsibilities.
YOUNG
ENTREPRENEUR:
This advice may seem straightforward. But you would be surprised at how many peoplethink office politics is more about manipulation than respect. But I don't think it has to be!
Just remember, for any situation, you have the ability to choose how you will react. And
the choice you make now could have important repercussions later.
YOUNG
ENTREPRENEUR:
Behave wisely .... this is your career we're talking about .... it isn't the jungle.