Customer Reviews

The End of Office Politics as Usual: A Complete Strategy for Creating a More Productive and Profitable Organization

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It is no coincidence that the companies which are most highly admired, which generate the greatest number of applicants from among those who work for their competitors, are also the most profitable. One of several reasons is that companies which are both admirable and prosperous have zero-tolerance of what is generally referred to as "office politics." Of course, all human organizations are inherently political in certain respects. President Truman once observed that politics is "the art of getting things done." As Caro clearly demonstrates in the third volume of his biography of Lyndon Baines Johnson, LBJ was a consummate "artist" of politics while serving as senate majority leader. What Serven examines in this book is what could be described as the "politics of self-interest": self-serving behavior which is not in the best interests of the given organization or the welfare of others involved in it. As Serven carefully explains, these "politics of "self-interest" diminish morale and productivity, preclude teamwork worthy of the name, and ultimately incur a substantial cost, only some of which is revealed at the bottom line. (What is the cost of losing peak performers who have lost all respect for an organization which tolerates office politics?) Even before he begins his narrative, Serven cites these three quotations:

"The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat." (Lily Tomlin)

"The truth, dear Brutus, is not in the stars,/But in ourselves." (William Shakespeare)

"We have met the enemy, and he is us." (Walt Kelly's Pogo)

Serven's point is obvious: Organizations can become weakened and even destroyed by office politics which, in essence, involve internal -- rather than external -- competition. He brilliantly keeps a promise implicit in his book's subtitle: "A Complete Strategy for Creating a More Productive and Profitable Organization." He identifies almost all of the "usual suspects" and then offers practical advice as to how to overcome major barriers to communication and cooperation.

My own opinion is that those who are involved or associated with organizations which tolerate (thereby condone) office politics should do everything humanly possible to extricate themselves. However, in the so-called "real" world, it may be necessary (for whatever reasons) to remain involved or associated. In that event, Serven's book can help them to make the most and (hopefully) best of a bad situation. It is also my opinion that office politics can sometimes be effective but only on a short-term basis; over time, those who play them invariably find themselves the victim of their own unprofessional behavior. The most effective female executives I know are also ladies; the most effective male executives I know are gentlemen. All of them understand politics. More to the point, they also appreciate the importance of proper behavior between and among those with whom they are associated. In wholly practical terms, "office politics" reduce both production and profits. Indeed, as Serven explains so well, the total cost is probably incalculable...and should be (but often isn't) intolerable.

Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out Vincent M. Roazzi's The Spirituality of Success: getting Rich with Integrity, David Maister's Practice What You Preach, David Whyte's The Heart Aroused, and James O'Toole's The Executive's Compass.

The title is, of course, most hopeful. Politics, as it implies a negative force, will not go quietly. But Larry has a positive message that works. Namely, that enterprise value is best created by an aligned TEAM. Oddly enough, this was the Noble prize-winning message of the movie "A Beautiful Mind." So, Larry's conclusion has plenty of historical backing.

Don't dismiss the message. It is wise counsel. And, it is presented in a compelling and useful manner. To not like the book and its message is to not appreciate the 2001/2002 edition of the New England Patriots or other high performance TEAMS. When office politics are constrained great things occur.

This book is a rational and well written investigation into the causes and cures for office politics. In particular, the author understands that everyone acts selfishly and goes on to explain how various policies either align people's interests with their companies' or turn them against each other. Among its many highlights are five real examples in the form of five people who had acted very politically, then been educated about the causes and cures of office politics, and finally asked to re-evaluate their actions. One of the surprising, and fortunate, discoveries of that was that 'political operators' generally tend to dislike honest environments as much as honest people dislike political environments. Another positive was a section entitled 'The Rule of Law, Not Man' which explains that topic well. Finally, there are some good quotes in the chapter headings such as 'conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct' attributed to Thomas Carlyle.

While the strategic steps seem initially complex, they are very logical and lead to a positive conclusion: creating a merit-based work environment to replace a culture driven by political infighting and posturing. In the end, the company, the employees and the shareholders all benefit. It is a worthwhile read for anyone in business -- especially those who pursue the executive ranks.

While the strategic steps seem initially complex, they are very logical and lead to a positive conclusion: creating a merit-based work environment to replace a culture driven by political posturing. In the end, the company, the employees and the shareholders all benefit. A good read for anyone in business -- especially those who pursue the executive ranks.

A dreary whine, THE END OF OFFICE POLITICS is a book by and for losers: sore losers.

It's core argument is as ludicrous as a thesis claiming its lifeblood is poisonous to an animal would be---although perhaps comparably attractive to a leech. Any reader feeling at all taken by any of it is advised to treat himself to a strong dose of Machiavelli---and get back to reality.