Office Politik

We have had several new positions here at the office that just got filled recently. One of the things that continues to fascinate me is the interaction between the new staff and their new environment. It's almost like watching a child as it looks around not sure what to make of everything. So much attention is showered and absorbed that like the child the new employee feels like it is safe and nurtured. That is of course till they realize how everything works.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from friends amd colleagues is the drama and politics they have to deal with at their job. To some extent these problems exist because they did not take an initial interest in the personalities and agendas that existed before them. I find office politics particularly interesting myself. Much of the frustration comes when you are on the losing end of an agenda. But given the chance to join the fray you too can realize and enjoy participating in the process. If you are just starting somewhere its crucial you identify several key people and strategies or you may find that the job you signed up for is not the one you truly wanted in the first place. Depending on the size of your organization you may have several or one of the following types of personalities that you deal with. I know for sure we have them at my office.

The Source
This person is the information broker of the company. Chances are if there was a meeting this person knows what was said. They love tapping into information and are very plugged in. Most likely this person is very open about what they know and as such may not be considered trustworthy or safe to talk too. Nevertheless whenever you start this is one of the first people you should tap in to find out what agendas there are. Even if it comes with their personal bias it gives you a head start in making sure to avoid gaffes and figuring out the lay of the land. It will probably cost you some information down the road but make sure you are discreet. Allying yourself with a source can be risky as they are often viewed negatively as gossips.

The Pleaser
This is one of those people who for the most part remain clueless about the swath of competing agendas that whirl in the office. They are for the most part positive and optimistic but are usually more social than efficient. Upper management doesn't look to favorably on this type but will praise the good attitude publicly. This person will not get promoted and usually has been around longer than most. These are usually some of the first people who will want to be your friend when you come aboard.

The Veteran
They have a long history with the company. They have seen them come and go. Many veterans for the most part cynical or sarcastic but they were probably not that way originally. The veteran usually has seniority but is not always in a position of authority. A majority are content with a status quo and have absolutely no expectations for anything better or new.

To be continued...

I'll have some more posted soon. Let me know if you have people like this in your office and if you have any good stories, please share.