The price of naiveté

Being naïve about company politics comes at a price you will only see when it’s too late.

Have you ever felt ashamed of your naiveté? I know I have. I’ve felt ‘late to the party’ a couple of times in my career. I was reminded of the feeling last week when watching TV.

I don’t know if you’re watching the Netflix series “The Diplomat”, but you should. It’s well-written, intriguing, and the acting is great across the board.

One of the many things I like is its quick pace; you have to keep focused to not miss out on important details. And the details are plenty: some in what is being said, and most in what is not being said. Another likeable aspect is the layered awareness. People at certain levels are aware of details and decisions that others are not. I recognize that from my work in large corporates.

I won’t give away any spoilers for those still wanting to binge-watch the series, but one of the returning gags throughout the series is the main character occasionally finding out there actually is another level of awareness, with accompanying details and decisions. That makes her feel awkward and naïve. I’ve felt like that.

If you’re coaching in large organizations, you know there’s politics to be handled. More often than not, the way things go is not…