Putting Your Politics Ahead of the Organization's Mission?

Watching the historic drama of Kevin McCarthy lose the House Speakership 14 times over four days, brings organizational politics to mind. What makes this drama historic? This is the first time:

In 100 years it took a House Speaker more than one ballot to be elected
In over 160 years it took a House Speaker more than nine ballots to be elected (he took 15!)

As change agents we all encounter politics, whether in a corporation, non-profit, a family business, or the government sector. The question is, how often are you engaging with them and putting your politics ahead of the organization’s mission?

Click Read More to see what putting your politics ahead of the organization’s mission can look like and what doing this could be costing you in your career.

Watching the midterm elections in the U.S. brings the word “drama” to mind. There’s the current dramas of:

Which political party is going to be in control of the House of Representatives in 2023
Some 2020 election deniers getting into office who will have control over the voting process in their states
Who will be running for President in 2024

There’s the recent dramas of:

Which political party was going to be in control of the Senate in 2023
All the political ad campaigns that attacked the opposing candidate, and included phrases and images designed to elicit fear, anger, and other strong emotions from Americans
The scandals breaking around the various political candidates
Several candidates running for office who are 2020 election deniers (i.e. a Congress Member who voted against certifying the 2020 election results or would have done this if they were in office at the time, publicly said the 2020 election was rigged or stolen, or still publicly questions the 2020 election results)

As change agents and leaders, we are very accustomed to being around drama. With change comes strong emotions. Where there are strong emotions, drama is bound to follow. Whether it’s drama with:

Stakeholders
A team
Our boss or coworkers
A vendor
A merger and acquisition or some other aspect of the transformation

Or perhaps it’s drama with:

Family (especially with holiday gatherings coming up!)
Your kids
Friends
Your partner

The question is, how much do you enjoy getting wrapped up in drama? Click Read More to ask yourself these questions to find out. You may be surprised to find you actually like drama more than you consciously thought you did!