I have long maintained that there is such a thing as “positive” office politics. “Bah!” You say with skepticism. “No such thing.” Here’s my counter-argument: there’s nothing inherently wrong with people who use power and status, but it’s the way in which they use it that gives office politics its bad name. It’s those “people…
Office Politics
Developing Your (Office) Political Savvy – Positively
When you hear the phrase “office politics,” what comes to mind? Do you imagine: Favoritism Back-stabbing “Makes me want to run and hide” Cronyism Self-interest It’s not a pretty list, is it? Whenever I talk with people about “office politics” their viewpoints have a negative theme associated with them. These words represent the dark side…
Women and the Politics of Promotion
Research indicates that ambitious women are in a double bind—if they’re too aggressive, then they’re seen as threatening; if they’re too accommodating, they’re not seen as senior leadership material. Even though this bind is easing as more women assume top leadership roles, it’s still evident in many organizations, particularly those that are traditionally led by…
#IfIWere22: Career Advice to a Younger Jennifer
Oh, to be 22 years old again! All of my body parts firm, none of my joints creaky. And the energy – tons of it! But would I really want to be in my early twenties again? Eh, probably not, but it’s fun to imagine what I would say if I could travel in a…
Is Office Politics Decreasing Your Productivity at Work?
According to an infographic offered up by Tempo blog, 47% of people say office politics is a work-related distraction that takes time away from their productivity. Interesting. Nearly half of office workers see office politics as a “distraction” that keeps them from being optimally productive? How very convenient. Someone didn’t get a…