Things not taught in an MBA

1.    Office Politics 101

Why is there no course of study to prepare graduates for the perils of office politics? It is all about power of course; who has it and who rises or falls because of their understanding of how power operates in the workplace. Unfortunately, it appears that most people learn about office politics the hard way, through experience. By observing what happens around you and reflecting upon why things happen, you will gradually acquire the ‘street smarts’ to guide your actions. In the early stages of your work life, or when starting at a new workplace, it is probably a good idea to spend time assessing the situation before stepping up to make your mark. Otherwise, your first big move might be right back out the door you first entered.

Take heart though that your employer has selected you for the job! They are making a big investment in you and your potential to contribute to the success of the organisation. They want you to succeed and should provide you with the support needed to make it happen.

2.    Always bank on self-interest

If you are ever in a situation wondering what is happening and unable to determine why, go back to first principles. It is a fundamental economic reality that your employer has hired you because they can make more money from your time and talents than what they pay you as a wage. What you have been told about the organisation’s values and principles may have merit and give you confidence that somebody cares for your well-being, but the best way to get to the heart of any matter is to look at who benefits from a particular course of action.

People do things for their own reasons, and if you can identify who is behind a particular action, the reason can usually be determined when considered from their perspective and how they will personally benefit. The principle is more commonly known as ‘what’s in it for me’ (WIIFM) and is generally applied by motivators and marketers that seek to understand our wants and needs. Use this principle to understand why decisions are made.

The principle can also be applied when seeking to sell your ideas. Any project or proposal will need to demonstrate the benefits to be gained by your boss. Do this in in a subtle manner so that is not it too obvious; your reasons and justification should clearly explain how the business will benefit. If you help the boss claim the proposed change as being their own idea, this is called a win-win solution.

3.    Strategy is all about war

The basic premise of strategic management is that everyone is, or could suddenly become an enemy. After all, strategy had its origins in the battlefield, being the art of planning and directing overall military operations in a war or conflict. You may think that this is a rather Machiavellian view of the world but the reality is that even your best friends, partners or clients can quickly turn into worst enemies, competitors or litigants. Good strategy requires contingency planning and should be factored into your risk management plans. Failure to recognise the potential for strong alliances and smooth sailing to suddenly become a battle with enemies engaged in mortal combat, denies the reality of the fight for survival that business can become.

Too pessimistic a view? Take a look at Porter’s Five Forces; threats, rivalry and battling against the power of suppliers and customers. What about a SWOT analysis? You start by considering your strengths and weaknesses so that you can capitalise on any opportunities, but you need to be prepared for the threats that will arise as you seek to implement your strategy.

4.    Graduates start at the bottom and not the top

This will likely be your first lesson in Office Politics 101 because even if you are hired straight up as a consultant or have an important sounding title, you need to find out who has the power, and you should assume that everyone else has more than you. While your newly acquired degree may give you the warm feeling that you have a lot of knowledge and wisdom to share with others, even the receptionist will be better connected to the power networks that run the business, and that their opinion will be more highly valued than yours. Until you have survived the probationary period and served your apprenticeship, remain humble, accept good advice, and find a mentor or sponsor who can help you learn the ropes.

5.    Work may be a lot harder than you expect

If you are looking for a life filled with exciting challenges, regular rewards, recognition, fame and fortune, you may need to readjust your expectations. Even the best jobs have some elements of drudgery, boredom, disappointment and let’s face it, at times you will experience downright misery or despair. If it were not this way, it would not be called work. By understanding this from the outset, you can develop work habits to help you survive and even thrive in the workplace.

Yes, all the hours you spent studying to prepare you for your career and the world of work have not been in vain. Remember that in the white water environment of change that exists with all organisations these days, there are many opportunities and pathways to success. Skills acquired as a student may not always readily transfer to the workplace, but if you have learnt how to learn and continue to seek for understanding in all that you do, hard work and determination will enable you to shape the future you desire.