What Goes Around Comes Around

Office politics pose an insidious threat to your career. The really sneaky aspect of it is that you can do the worst damage to yourself through your own misguided actions. Then throw in twists and turns over which you have little or no control, and the picture can quickly become ugly.

I believe that competence, attitude, and relationships in the workplace are the most important contributors to your career success. Today’s subject is relationships.

A business career can last upwards of 30 years. Over time, many associates will depart your work sphere forever, but a surprising number become constants, and others leave but return unexpectedly. Developing positive and mutually-beneficial relationships with many people will be important to your long-term reputation and success. Here are three real-life (anonymous) vignettes:

Bill is a capable and ambitious mid-career executive. Circumstances presented an opportunity to improve his position in the organization. When he saw his chance, he moved quickly with a singular focus. He stepped on a few people along the way and ignored his responsibility to assist others that he had previously offered to help (because he was busy on his primary goals). A recent change in the senior management team now threatens his position. Bill is looking for allies to support him and make him feel “safe”, and is surprised to find few willing to stick their necks out for him.

Wanda was an established executive. For years, she reveled in her title and the accompanying privileges, bullying those who questioned her authority or methods of operation. Wanda had a long history with a key senior executive, and seemed to “get away” with outrageous behavior not tolerated from others (and resented by many). Her protective mentor left the company. The organization in transition reorganized her department. Wanda was demoted. Suddenly she finds herself without privilege and facing the resentment previously squelched by her peers and subordinates.

Todd was brought into the enterprise with no previous experience in the industry he was entering. His boss assigned Laura, an experienced low-level manager, to teach him the ropes and help Todd achieve success in his new executive position. Laura took her responsibility seriously and spent many hours working with Todd. Todd was unappreciative and became an imperious and domineering supervisor to Laura, who left the company shortly thereafter. A few years later, Todd applied for a position at the same company for which Laura worked. Laura’s boss asked for her opinion about adding Todd to the team. Todd did not get Laura’s endorsement…nor did he get the position.

Treat your co-workers with respect. While you work on your business goals, help your peers achieve theirs as well. Appreciate the assistance you get from colleagues, and thank them often and publicly. Cheer the success of others. Help plan and advance the careers of those who work for you. Do things to make your boss successful. Earn a reputation for consistently doing the right thing. Be pleasant to be around. What goes around comes around- every time! (Sometimes it just takes the passage of time and circumstance to be obvious.)