Politics in the work place

Politics in the work place, what are they and why are they even there?

Recently I have started a new job, great work and interesting people but the thing that is striking to me is the multiple level of politics that are ingrained in the company.

Where has this steamed from? The top boss? Or the expectations of my colleges?

Streaming from the top I can see how this has effect the company (of about 35 employees), the attitude and how they view things. Getting to know your bosses, bosses boss (AKA Top Boss) and the way they think can be an eye opener. The reason they hire people (doers, pleasers, creatives) and the way that they treat them says a lot. Not that they are treated badly here, just the level of communication and what gets communicated specifically.

From the colleges in a small – medium business I can see that there is threat there for them and they often act on it. They are thrilled if a college in a non-threatening position does well – not so much the case if you are below them or alongside them. Maybe it’s just the type of person I am being able to read between the lines and being quite emphatic.

Maybe it just all comes down to communication, how is that ever going to change if positive communication is not coming from the top down?

Another lesson to learn in the long journey of wanting to be a business owner!

Let me know your opinions and if you have dealt with politics in the work place. Is there an answer to it?