Political Dilemmas at Work: How to Maintain Your Integrity and Further Your Career

Preface

The atmosphere was tense and excited. With standing room only, the audience waited with anticipation. As the presentation began, silence descended, and the audience members listened intently. The opening words told of a world of intrigue—of the tactics and strategies played out in the workplace. Reactions ranged from wry smiles to excited chuckles. When asked to share a political story with a partner, the audience erupted—the noise overwhelming. They clamored to be the first to share their own experiences of organizational politics.

—London Business School, October 2007, Annual Reunion

 

This description offers evidence of a growing level of interest in the subject of organizational politics. We experience this response whenever we present our work. Our seminars are packed to overflowing with people who attend for a variety of reasons. The majority of people arrive hoping to gain something that will help them manage politics at work and allow them to perform at their best. Most of them see politics as a nuisance and an irritation. A few come to learn a trick or two to manipulate their colleagues. Whatever their motives, we offer everyone the opportunity to learn how to manage organizational politics more effectively.

Political dilemmas include clashes of agendas, personal values, or motives. These types of dilemmas can deflect us away from doing good work or doing the right thing—with inappropriate politicking. Political dilemmas are often further complicated ...