Do you believe corporate culture and corporate political dynamics are fixed in stone?
How many times in the past month have you found yourself thinking or saying something like this?
There’s nothing I can do to change how things work around here.
My department or team is just a cog in the big wheel of the organization. It doesn’t matter what we do; it won’t have any effect.
So what if I make things better for my people? We’re still working within a dysfunctional organization.
I don’t have time to worry about cultural change or the dynamics of workplace politics.
Anything I could do just is a drop in the bucket — and it’s a really big bucket.
If it’s going to work, culture change or any shift in the political dynamic has to come from the top, from the board of directors and the CEO.
Was it more than just once? (Yes, really, just once.)
If so, you believe in the Myth of Stone: corporate culture is fixed, immoveable, unchangeable by any single person or group within the organization, no matter how good their intentions.
Fortunately, it’s just a myth. In fact, corporate culture is drawn in the sand. It can be changed.
Think back through your career. I’ll bet you’ve seen shifts in corporate culture and political dynamics. Usually, it’s unintentional. Sometimes it gets worse instead of better. But you can take heart in knowing that it can and does change for the better.
Let’s talk about your situation.
Tell me what you’re facing. Help me show you a bigger picture.
When you’re in the middle of things, it goes way past not seeing the forest for the trees.
You’re watching the moss grow — probably on that stone you think the corporate culture is carved in. I can see the bigger perspective. And I’ve got a broad and deep toolkit that helps me help you.
Drop me a line or give me a call and let’s talk.
Or you can start by exploring a more detailed definition of what politics really is, and identifying ways you may be allowing your career to be held hostage. Sign up for my free workbook “The Five Deadly Shoulds of Office Politics that Maul, Mangle, and Murder Careers (and what to do about them).”
You’ll also receive my biweekly newsletter with articles containing thought-provoking, practical ways to start practicing politics with integrity — for yourself and for your team, department, or organization.
You can also take a look at some of my past articles.
Or find out more about me and more about my corporate programs and services.
Got questions I’ve not answered here? By all means, contact me — I generally respond within 24 hours (or less).