Actually, this is exactly how many executives behave.

The thing is, after spending a number of years consulting to guys like Tim’s boss, I’ve learned something: this is pretty much exactly how the game works:

Sure, there are stretch assignments and “public speaking challenge” type things… but if you underestimate the importance of pushing back during those little interpersonal contests like the one Tim’s boss lays down for him here, you do so at your own peril. So here are your options:

When confronted with an interpersonal challenge, you can:

• Cry to HR, report the issue, and effectively box yourself out of a shot at a leadership role
  It’s not the discrimination/glass ceiling that’s keeping you down. Nor is the whistle blowing. It’s that your response—to go ask for help—suggests that when confronted with something unexpected, your first response is to pass responsibility for dealing with it to someone else. Yes, I know that’s what they teach you to do as an employee, but leadership skills are different from employee skills, and if you want to be a leader, you need to act like… a leader!
• Ignore it, tough it out, and as for your career, you’d better be awesome or lucky, ‘cuz otherwise, que sera sera.
  People will respect you for not being a rat, but they will keep you at the same distance you’re keeping them. You won’t be anyone’s first choice for a leadership job unless you’re just that good, or unless everyone else is sick the day they have to make the choice.
• Play along, sell your soul, and get the short term win
  If you’re in the club, you’re in the club… and you get everything—including the spoils and also the feeling they were ill-gotten—that goes along with membership.

This cartoon is hilarious not only for its blatant ridiculousness, but also for how true it is!

Thanks to Mark Stelzner for blogging this!

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Tagged as: career consulting, office politics, perspective, success mindset