What do you know about organizational control? Believe it or not, it has a lot to do with your contributions, performance, and success on the job.
To be specific, organizational control is the process used by companies to influence and manage their employees, making sure they work toward achieving target goals and mission.
The thing is, there is more to administrative control than meets the eyes.
To be blunt, lots of knowledgeable and brilliant employees fail to stand out on the job due to their lack of understanding of institutional control—and inability to deal with workplace politics.
On the other hand, many employees succeed not because they are very intelligent but because they understand and know how to navigate power structure and administrative control within organizations.
Specifically, they understand the game of control in the workplace. They learn and know:
- Who leads the show in the company
- How to navigate towards power
- To avoid worthless risks
- What to do to get their ideas approved
- How to make strong allies
- What to do to keep their boss happy
- How to deal with office drama and politics
Those workers are also aware that the thirst for control leads to conflicts, competitions, and tensions among colleagues.
As the famous consultant and author of Flawless Consulting Peter Block said, “Maintaining control is at the center of the value system of most organizations. There is a belief in control that goes beyond effectiveness or good organizational performance. ”
Shocking, right?
More on organizational control within companies
Maybe you wonder, “What does understanding workplace control mean for my career?”
See, to get ahead in the job market, you need more than skills, expertise, and experience. Why? You should be able to deal with administrative control and office politics so you can put your talent to good use.
Otherwise, say hello to workplace frustrations.
In his book Flawless Consulting, Peter Block also revealed that, “Many managers believe in maintaining control even if keeping control results in poorer performance.”
That said, you can’t ignore office politics and expect to do well in the job market. Therefore, you have no choice but to learn to navigate power struggles within companies.
Here’s a list of useful insights the CBL team put together for you:
- Avoid competing with your colleagues.
- Do not threaten people’s thirst for power and control.
- Learn to follow and take instructions from everyone.
- Tame your ego like a horse.
- Make allies and build connections at work.
- Navigate towards power or control at work.
- Put your company and team first.
- Avoid fighting for credit.
- Give credit where it is due.
- Be useful and helpful to your boss.
- Overall, make your boss look good.
Well, you may ask, “But what’s in it for me in the long run?”
Facing workplace control like a pro and developing proficiency in office politics is the best way to become—a linchpin—and make significant contributions that will increase your value while other staff are busy complaining—and making enemies.
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