Surviving the Dysfunctional Organization

There are some organizations that may be fine for many people but not for you. Let's assume that you have examined the profiles of those who are promoted and have concluded that your chances of moving to or near the top are small. Let us also assume that you are not ready to jump ship. What can you do?

1. Don't devote a huge amount of time to proposing macro-reforms. The place probably won't change and your efforts will simply increase your adversaries while accelerating your burn-out.
2. Focus on what can be done to improve your immediate area of responsibility. Doing your job as well as possible should always be a high priority but it is especially so when the surrounding territory is weird. Emphasize what "We" can do and don't blame "They."
3. Develop your skills. Take classes. Read material related to your business. Get mentors. You'll need this whether you are going to leave or stay.
4. Keep your sense of humor. Those who take everything seriously are the first ones to drop.
5. Keep your perspective. Anyone with an ounce of savvy knows that the brightest people in organizations are not always the ones with the highest titles. Don't let your ego tell you that a particular title, salary level or prize determines your true worth. [While in the Army, I noticed that for some reason a sizable amount of serious talent was at the Lieutenant Colonel level. Many of those folks remained there.]
6. Build outside interests. Help a community group. Get a hobby. Find something to take your mind off of what is happening at work.
7. Take time to discover just who you are. You will need to be firmly grounded and yet flexible if you are to weather the storms. In a world of second-guessers and cheap shots, it is important to know your own worth and to operate with some core principles. Avoid holding yourself to utopian standards. Behave as the kind and reasonable person that you are. Of all of the recommendations, this is the most important.