One myth is; ‘I could get my job done if there were
just no politics in my workplace’. Dream on.

Question: I work in a large public sector organisation. I have been with them for three years now. While I enjoy many aspects of the job and have good relationships with most colleagues there is one significant aspect that I find frustrating. In one word I would describe it as Politics. This can display itself in situations where we need help or cooperation from other units or where we have to rely on others for us to complete processes – time and again I have come up against people or situations where cooperation seems to be very low on the list of alternative actions. I find that I have to be very careful what I say and do, in these situations. It’s so easy to make an enemy or to ‘step on peoples toes’. I have also witnessed some of this sort of stuff via emails that I’ve been copied on and also there are numerous examples and stories quoted in the canteen over lunch or coffee. It seems such a waste of time, effort and energy and has such a detrimental overall effect on the organisation and on those we serve. Is there any solution?

Answer: This is very common and not just in the public sector. If this is a serious organisation problem it may not be something you (or someone at a relatively junior level) can solve. It will have to be addressed from the top. For many people this seems to be a sort of game … So what can you do to adapt / survive / play this game?

1. Don’t get involved in the game? Be the mature professional.
2. Build your network, within the organisation.
3. Work hard on relationships.
4. Build your Influence skills.
5. Cooperate, reciprocate, ‘pay it forward’, i.e. do favours for others without expecting ‘pay back’.
6. See Politics as a challenge, not just an irritant.
7. If you can’t manage all the above – then leave.