While scrolling LinkedIn I saw a meme with the following words, “I am in competition with no one. I have no desire to play the game of being better than anyone. I am simply trying to be better than the person I was yesterday.” Everyone should strive to be a better version of themselves. In a true meritocracy that is all people would need to do. Organization leaders would promote the best performers and pay them according to their contribution to the organization. However, when everyone is performing at a comparable level how do bosses choose? Do bosses’ have favorites? Doing one’s best and hoping to stand out might not be enough to get ahead.
On the other hand, if you are happy where you are in the organization and have no desire to move up, are you safe? If you keep your head down, do good work, and stay out of the fray will you survive a downturn or reorganization? No one knows the answers to those questions, but the odds are better if you are in the loop. The maxim, “If you don’t have a seat at the table, you could be on the menu” is something to bear in mind. To put it simply: office politics is hard to avoid where three or more are gathered.
Situational awareness is paramount. I have a great deal of experience helping people enhance their emotional intelligence as well as identifying organization blind spots. Check out my website to learn more www.prodestinycoaching.com. Take the workplace survey and you will be eligible to receive a 30-minute complimentary consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.