On Corporate Politics

Hi…

If there is anything I have no idea at all, that is probably "corporate politics". Good or bad, I have been intentionally refraining from going that direction.

My belief is that there is always real work that needs to be done, and if we get real work done, we may probably be, at least, safe from the politicking wars.

But politics is unavoidable, is a reality of professional life. Chances are that you have to deal with them, either to get politics off your workplace if you are in a powerful position, or to make the dynamics work for you. That means you have to know corporate politics, and probably need to know them very well if you want to achieve anything significant.

I read The Art of War and The 48 Laws of Power. I pick up The Art of War once in a while; the principles are very effective if you have the willing power to apply them in real life situations. The 48 Laws of Power has been a very popular book for the past several years. I think this book helps to understand the dynamics of corporate politics, or politics in general. But to be good at politicking is a challenge that not a lot of people are up to, --- I certainly not and actually believe that it is probably a talent as defined in "First Break All the Rules", something you cannot learn.

My suggestion is (1) do not talk too much before you fully understand the situations; (2) always put more energy and pay more attention to real work; when you get real work done, the politicking parties will approach you and you will have the lever; (3) be always good to the group who are doing the real work; (4) be careful when you are with the group in power --- they may not be in power soon if they are in the destructive side and the situation is so bad. But do not take my suggestions too seriously...

Best,

Young