In the world of work politics can run rampant. When things get out of control even the most loyal employees can be seen updating there monster.com profiles. People have the natural tendency to try and exert their power over their subordinates. This ultimately leads to the politics that occur at work.
Why else would a person ask you any of these questions?
- What time did you get to work?
- Do you understand who are you talking to?
- Where is the cover sheet for the TPS report?
- Why aren’t you smiling?
Office politics can be insane in certain environments. You or somebody you know has definitely experienced it. Have you seen politics dampen someone’s spirit?
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How come my manager flies first class across the ocean, and found out that I and my coworker did the same. Then insisted that we hadn’t put in our time and must ride in the back of the bus.
And the company is worried about saving money…
I think you answered your own question. I get that same answer too.
Office politics, especially from upper management, is horrible. I think a lot of it comes down to a disparity in ideology between my generation (Gen. Y) and the generation of most people in upper management (Baby Boomers). Their approach is one of a perpetual fight against change. I have literally hear the phrase “Why change it? It has worked well for the past 20 years” in reference to policy involving communication. It disgusts me. However, I have no problem calling them out on this so I am now known as the one with the “fresh” ideas. Hence, why I have meetings with the president and vice-president to discuss direction of the company. I guess every once in a while if you don’t participate in the politics people actually notice.
Funny. I buddy at my job took the corporate jet to Vegas. (lucky enough) But on the return trip, a VP was flying back on the corporate jet so my buddy could not fly on it. He had to catch a $600 flight back at the last minute. Analysts not allowed to fly with VPs. Cost Savings = +$600
I’ve been told my mid level managers that politics is why 90% of people are in management positions. It’s disheartening for fresh smart college minds to join the workforce and get bashed by “the man’s” mallet because he doesn’t conform to any suck-up tactics.
If mergers don’t centralize most industries and businesses, I could see a new wave of innovativeness in the coming 20 years or so.
Office “politrics” have always been interesting to me. Most of it is just smoke and mirrors to confuse and deflate the psyche of the work force.
I think its hilarious how politics and hierarchical thinking will force a pack of 40 year old men to scatter like roaches when the “man” comes out of the restroom.