"Blurred Vision "

How critical are office politics affecting a corporation's vision statement?

Visionary Thinker

Dear "Visionary Thinker",

A vision statement is something that can help in avoiding office politics. Much of the negative type of behaviour that we call office politics is a result of people misdirecting their energy and effort. They will fight their co-workers in hopes of gaining advantage, or out of frustration with a difficult work environment.

If a vision statement is developed through a process that involves everyone in the organization it can create a sense of cohesion and purpose that have people working together for the good of the organization, instead of against each other.

So, in that sense a vision statement can have a big effect on office politics.

You asked if office politics affect a vision statement. It should be clear that if the visioning process is well done, office politics should play no part.

Thanks for writing.

Dr. John

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