We have a winner. Congratulations to rebian! If you'd like to be a winner, click here to see what the hell I'm talking about. Rebian has won four paragraphs and chose the topic of politics.
As a society Americans would like to believe that we function as a meritocracy. I'm not sure how exactly that line of reasoning developed in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Maybe it's wrapped up as a part of the American dream or manifest destiny. We're told that the key to success is to have the most skills, but the truth is that success is determined only partly by skills. You have to play politics too.
I don't know how often I've heard people dismiss politics as a tool for getting the things you need. They seem to think that playing politics is somehow underhanded or that the people who do it have no morals. I don't see it as a moral issue, I think it's more complex than that. When done right, playing politics is simply an effective way to express your own wants and needs while acknowledging that the group as a whole must continue to function and that each member has their very own wants and needs. It's also knowing that everyone (including you) is subject to the whims of human nature and as such there is rarely if ever a definitive way to determine who is the most deserving of whatever it is that you yourself desire.
Here's another cold hard truth: If you're not playing politics, you may lose out in spite of the fact that you really were more qualified for that position at work or a better choice for the roster in your next bout. Being rejected always stings but it sucks more when only reason you didn't get it is because you didn't take the time to be a little more aware of the inner social workings of your organization. Sometimes there's nothing you can do. That player always makes the roster because she's the captain's best friend. Your co-worker has a personal connection to your boss from 20 years ago. But taking the extra time to develop good connections with people around you never hurts. Consider being political as another skill that you need to succeed.
If you're unaccustomed to or uncomfortable with this concept, here are two ideas to get you started:
Listen. You can't fill a hole that you don't know exists. When you listen well, whether it's about someone's dog or their day at work they will begin to trust you. When they trust you they will start to tell you about things that are going on in your group that may not be public knowledge. That doesn't give you license to be a douche bag and betray that trust, but there's no harm in gathering information that's given to you freely. There's also no harm in being a decent human being and listening to your colleagues whether or not it benefits you.
Be Honest. If you don't tell people what you want, they can't help you get it. We sometimes hide our ambitions because we're afraid of being judged or obstructed but those are concepts that cut both ways. People consider ambition in both positive and negative lights. Some people may help you, others will get in your way. You may as well be straightforward about it and make allies where you find them.
If you don't tell people what you think, they can't take your opinion into consideration. This DOES NOT mean you can stomp all over people's feelings just because you're 'being honest.' It does mean that you're obligated to find an appropriate way to address issues that are pertinent to the group while being sensitive to how that information will be received. In other words, communicate but be subtle. My dad used to say that 'subtlety is the art of telling someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the journey.' Enough said.
Do you want to win an essay on a topic of your choice? Click here for more details. The contest ends on April 29th.
<posted on 4.8.12>
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