In part one of this special episode, Tessa talks with fellow career coach, Kendall Berg, of That Career Coach. Kendall has years of experience in the corporate world with a background rooted in technology complementing Tessa’s background in HR. Together they offer valuable perspectives on today’s corporate landscape. In this episode, Kendall interviews Tessa. They discuss the “games” played in the corporate world and what happens behind closed doors. In a cancel culture, learning to have crucial conversations may change the course of your career.

1. Office Politics

• Focus: Navigating power dynamics, building alliances, and managing interpersonal relationships to advance one's agenda (positive or negative).
• Examples:
  • Spreading rumors or subtly undermining colleagues
  • Taking undue credit for the work of others.
  • Forming exclusive cliques to gain influence.
  • Gossiping and backstabbing.

2. The Blame Game

• Focus: Avoiding responsibility for errors and shifting fault to others.
• Examples:
  • Refusing to acknowledge mistakes and covering them up.
  • Making excuses or pointing fingers at other team members.
  • Creating a culture of fear, limiting open communication and problem-solving.

3. The Appearance Game

• Focus: Prioritizing image and perception over actual productivity or substance.
• Examples:
  • Spending excessive time on presentations and formatting instead of focusing on content.
  • Attending unnecessary meetings to appear busy and engaged.
  • Prioritizing self-promotion over meaningful contributions.

4. Strategy Games (These can be beneficial or harmful)

• Focus: Navigating power structures, competition, and negotiation tactics to achieve objectives. This can be healthy and necessary in business.
• Examples:
  • Carefully crafting persuasive arguments to win support for projects.
  • Anticipating the moves of competitors or internal rivals.
  • Building coalitions and networks for influence.

Why Recognizing Corporate Games is Important

• Avoid Toxicity: Identifying the negative games helps individuals avoid getting caught up in destructive patterns that hurt morale and productivity.
• Strategic Advantage: Understanding the rules of both negative and positive games allows people to navigate the corporate landscape more effectively.
• Promoting a Healthy Culture: Bringing awareness to these games can foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration.

Important Note: It's crucial to distinguish between harmless social dynamics and genuinely toxic behaviors. Not all interpersonal maneuvering or ambition is harmful.

Find Kendall at https://thatcareercoach.net/

She is @ThatCareerCoach on all social media.

Her book Secrets of the Corporate Game comes out in November 2024

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