Comments on: Leadership and Office Politics

By: Chris Witt

Chris Witt — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:11:00 +0000

Mike, I have a more neutral defintion of politics than you seem to have (at least as the word applies to the workplace). I think of politics as the way power is exercised within an organization. It’s one aspect of an organization’s culture. It is, as you say, unavoidable. Politics can be dirty or covert or subversive, but it doesn’t have to be. (I’m willing to reconsider this definition, by the way.)
I’m in absolute agreement with you about the wisdom of understanding what’s at sake for whom and of people’s behavioral patterns.

By: Angela L. Fletcher

Angela L. Fletcher — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 23:34:00 +0000

In reply to Mike Myatt.

“…You simply cannot lead in neutral… Neutral builds nothing, grows nothing, and advances nothing.”

This is powerful and well stated.

By: Mike Myatt

Mike Myatt — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:40:00 +0000

In reply to Terri Long.

When you are more interested in helping the other person than you are being right, it’s likely you won’t step on too many toes. That said, you simply cannot lead in neutral. If you remain neutral, you are indeed acting in a cowardly fashion. Neutral builds nothing, grows nothing, and advances nothing.

Another thought to consider, It’s much more valuable to step across mental lines in the sand than it is to draw them. The art is in learning not to seek outcomes but discovery, for it’s only through discovery a leader can truly influence.

Real leaders have an opinion, but are also willing to listen to the opinions of others. Likeability is nice, and you should create affable relationship where possible so long as you don’t compromise on values. If you have to choose, choose to offend if it means doing the right thing and being a good leader.

By: Terri Long

Terri Long — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:20:00 +0000

How do you remain neutral and not appear cowardly? How do you draw a line in the sand w/o offending?

By: Mike Myatt

Mike Myatt — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:25:00 +0000

Hi Tim:

Thanks for your comment. Politics creates dissension, and in an absence of leadership dissension can spiral quickly into chaos. Leadership closes gaps rather than creates gaps. However encouraging dissenting opinion through open communications is oddly enough, what it takes to truly close gaps, and ultimately enables change and innovation. Good leaders not only challenge others, they encourage others to challenge them as well. Leadership is reciprocal, and politics, even when it appears to be reciprocal, usually isn’t.

By: Tim Empringham

Tim Empringham — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:29:00 +0000

Interesting viewpoint Mike. Earlier this week I shared some thoughts on politics as well, but from the viewpoint of the need for leaders to break down politics for the people they lead in order to foster an environment and culture that encourages disagreements and open communication of issues. You can read my take at: http://www.keyconsulting.ca/?p=254

By: Tweets that mention Office Politics | N2Growth Blog -- Topsy.com

Tweets that mention Office Politics | N2Growth Blog -- Topsy.com — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:16:40 +0000

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By: Jennifer V. Miller

Jennifer V. Miller — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:03:41 +0000

Mike,

Thanks for drawing my attention to this post via Twitter. You're right– office politics is a fact of life. In a unique twist, I'm blogging with 3 colleagues on "positive office politics" behaviors that research has identified as having a positive effect on workplace dynamics. See my contribution to the blog series here:

http://jennifervmiller.com/networking-inside-the-…