What is “office politics” and what has been your experience with it? Quick Hits
Dr. Mohan Ananda started us off by saying there are two kinds of office politics. One that causes problems and for which the person doing it should be removed. Or two – the kind that causes competition and is okay.
I’m not 100% sure I agree with that. I’m not sure it can be defined as “office politics” if it is a good-natured rivalry – although to be fair I don’t think those are healthy in an organization either.
But Kaitlyn Niechwiadowicz agreed that office politics can be either positive or negative and the culture of an organization dictates which it is.
Joey Robert Parks looked it as a freelancer coming in from the outside. He has learned that it is important for him to listen and learn so he can adapt and flow with the existing office politics, even if he doesn’t really understand it.
Towards the middle of the conversation, I shared that I had worked in organizations where I felt like leadership had no idea that the office politics were as bad as they were.
All three panelists had an opinion about why that is and what should be done about it.
How do you define office politics and what has been your experience with it?
Connect with the panelists:
Joey Robert Parks: / joeyrobertparks
Is a 32-book author and ghostwriter and The Da Vinci of Writing. He can write in any style, genre, or topic, and make it sound natural, like he’s been an expert in it for decades.
Dr. Mohan Ananda: / mohanananda
Scientist, lawyer, serial entrepreneur, and author of the book, Autobiography of an Immigrant. Which has been translated into multiple languages. He is passionate about helping people succeed in business
Kaitlyn Niechwiadowicz: / kniechwiadowicz
Senior Manager of Talent at Alkegen where she leads their global learning and talent management initiatives. She is passionate about helping individuals make an impact and exceed their potential.
Dr Robyn Odegaard: / robynodegaard
AKA Mental MacGyver. My doctorate is in organizational business psychology with a concentration in sport and performance. I provide luxury level, high performance support and coaching to executives, founders, celebrities and athletes.