Been years since I penned my last thoughts and I used to need to write so much - you sort of know it when you just have thoughts around in you that you need to spill out.
Last few years of silence has been a bliss.
After the divorce, I dated, and then around 3 years ago, he proposed, and 2 years ago, we settled down into marriage. so these were my life milestones:
2012 - Divorce
2013 - Proposed
2014 - Married
2015 - New Job
2016 - New Home
2017 - New Job
And yes, I am still in the first month of my new role in and I am admittedly struggling.
This happened due to a merger between the company I was working for and the other company.
Oh well, I guess life was too good in the last few years that it is time to be thrown some shitty stuff to blend into the 'ups and downs' of life.
So instead of throwing the white cloth, I have to F**king stand up to the SHYTE and say 'C'MON!!!'
argh, ok, it suck but if a friend is complaining to me, I will tell her:
Hey, this is normal, office politics is everywhere.
we just need to know how to manage it, and stay out of it if its not your thang.
moreover, its a new environment, you can do it.
****Breathe in, breathe out...****
So, what exactly is office politics?
Oh well, this term has nothing to do with the company itself like how the word could be related to. On the contrary, it is deeply established by individuals in the company. Yes, people.
These people, play up, behaved and do little things to establish a cause they want to support. And this is often linked to a negative connotation. It creates a less than desirable environment, and makes people like me suffer.
I started to give this a good thought the last few days and I come to realise, that as children, as students, we were already facing this.. but we came out of it anyway isn't it?
As adults, shouldn't we be stronger and smarter?
But then again, if this creating a negative environment, why are people doing it? Big grown ups still cannot think properly???
Ok, so here is why:
- Power hierarchy -
Since the birth of civilisation, men has been thirsty for power. So how can we expect anything less in a company?
- Monetary Gains -
Why do we work in the first place? If your answer is 'Passion', please f**k the hell outta here. You do not belong here. In actual fact, it is all for money, for livelihood. But how do we get more? Yes, to climb up the corporate ladder where the higher you get, the more money thou shall be given.
And it goes, how do people get there? Not much choices other than plotting and strategising.
So as an employee, you either stay out and be a low profile commoner so you get too harmless to be noticed and be plotted against, OR get your hands dirty and get a chance at the throne.
Me, being me, I hate politics in any form. BUT, how do i then make office politics work for people like me??
Gathering Information
Yes, information is KING. So WHO are the key people? The decision makers, the gate keepers, the respected.. time to observe.
Cliques
Who mixes with who? Is there conflicts between whom and whom.. where are the cliques? Open your eyes, and you will know I m sure.
Build relationships
Make friends, not foe. Do not need to be afraid of powerful people. They are humans too. Of course, the relationship building goes into every level, across functions. Be genuine, not fake. People can tell when you are fake!
Well, at the end of the day, I still strongly believe that humans are kind in nature. We should do no harm.. and if one day, one is to rose to the throne, it has to be based on true efforts and the role has to be supported through the recognition from people around.
Love Life, be happy - even at work. Lets see if it works out. else, **middle finger** and I am gone.
