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

Find a Safe Way to Uncover the Hidden Agenda

Where there is politicking around a project, it is usually driven by a clash between the business agenda and personal agendas. When these agendas compete with one another, tension is created and time is wasted. The problem is exacerbated if key stakeholders are being evasive, obtuse, or resistant in the face of your reasonable and polite enquires. It is understandable to want to know why people should resist, and it is professional to want to know what is really going on. The challenge is finding a safe way to uncover the hidden agenda.

It is natural to be cautious about raising the prospect of a hidden agenda with your boss or with anyone who has political power over you. The natural inclination is toward caution, and most people will find it easier to be respectful and compliant rather than challenging. Only people who are intent on career suicide would accuse the boss of a cover up, a hidden agenda, or lying. But to accept a project while still having unspoken doubts—and to suspect that there is a background of politicking only increases your stress levels and paranoia. It may also put success at risk and might expose you to sabotage.

When you meet with your boss, ask him to share everything he knows in the way of political intelligence again. Ask him if you can be candid? Voice the doubts you have—explicitly and constructively. Ask him if you can share some concerns with him. Talk about the potential consequences for the ...