Power & Politics
Anyone who has been in the workforce, especially in large enterprises, knows how priorities can shift and change. But are these shifts happening for the betterment of the organization or is power and politics at play? One of the most intriguing class during my MBA program was taught by a former C-suite executive with a larger than life personality. The moment she would walk into class, we would be alert and tune into her vibrant energy. The class was called ‘Power & Politics.’
The dynamic that power and politics plays in the work environment is something everyone should understand. Most times, executives have their own agendas to progress within the organization. As strategists, we must understand these agendas and try to subdue those that will harm the organization and the strategic initiative. As a strategist, I am there to protect and help elevate the organization. The reason why I absolutely loved the ‘Power & Politics’ class was because it helped me understand this element of self-preservation and the role it plays in the workplace. One cannot escape politics, so one must be very savvy in how to reason with it.
When there are conflicting priorities that may derail the strategy, it is the work of the strategist to recognize when these conflicts arise. Furthermore, a strategist must have influence within the organization, meaning, they can call on allies to get the troops back on track when needed. Many times, I have felt like the executive leadership was working against the strategic plan, however, upon communication with the execs, I’ve come to learn that even they sometimes feel overwhelmed and thrown off track. That is where as the strategist, I help align the executive with the strategic plan and remind them of the vision.
It’s important to bridge the gap of communication and align efforts within the organization. Much of my time as the strategist in done doing exactly this. This is why I love my work. I play a crucial role in aligning all aspects of the organization to achieve a singular vision.