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

The Political Bottom Line

Our careers are important and need to be protected. We need to be prepared to think beyond our current organization and remember that our actions—-both the good and the bad—-will contribute to our reputations. When faced with this dilemma, detailed thinking about what we are being asked to do, and why, is essential. Without it we will not be able to resolve the dilemma and will have to live with the personal consequences.

The benefit of clear thinking opens up the opportunity to propose alternative approaches that can meet the needs of everyone concerned. If we are clear about our personal bottom line, we will be able to deal with the consequences with a clear conscience. Best of all, we get to avoid becoming the spin doctor.