CHAPTER 9

Machiavelli in the Lunchroom

Although this book aims to help you find out about the dark or shadow side of your organization, it is important to point out that it may not be enough for you to just go to work on time and do your job well. The game of success is not always fair. Sometimes the deck is stacked. Awareness and even some extra effort to cope with workplace “politics” may be necessary to survive and thrive in your organization.

We believe, as our mothers taught us, that honesty is the best policy. Not only does it allow you to preserve your own sense of integrity, but also it is easier — because you don’t have to remember what story you have told each person. However, there is also a place for tact, discrimination, and occasionally even deception. (For example, see the section later in this chapter on “seeding rumors” to uncover the source of gossips). If your workplace culture does not value or even punishes honesty, you may want to change companies. But if you stay, you may wish to consider some classic political wisdom.