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"value trust over level" Isn't this the definition of politics? Trust is a personal feeling based on other opinion and your own experience while level should b
by kmonsen 10y ago
"value trust over level"
Isn't this the definition of politics? Trust is a personal feeling based on other opinion and your own experience while level should be based on documented achievements in the company.
Same with influence over authority. Influence is just another word for politics.
- personjerry 10y agoThe parent's comment uses the word "influence" more in the sense of "Merit Influence" than "Political Influence", I think
- kmonsen 10y agoDoesn't that still mean more informal, people in my sphere than formal merit recognition which is the whole point of levels? Maybe I'm just not getting it.
- ethanbond 10y agoThen that means there are people whose work merits higher levels/pay/promotions/fancier desks who aren't getting them, but instead get to be advisors to people with fancy desks? Still toxic.
- TheOtherHobbes 10y agoOffice politics becomes toxic because it's about using political structures for personal gain. Political status becomes the primary product at work. Actual work performance of individuals and teams becomes secondary. Decisions become increasingly irrational because the interests of low-status individuals - including customers, suppliers, and other employees - start being seen as an annoying distractions from personal profit/status. If that's reversed and performance becomes more important than status, you're already in a healthier place. Empires can be very profitable. But they're also miserable places to work, and they rarely have much customer good will.
- hashkb 10y agoThank you. So obvious.