How does one get ahead of the game and be respected if they refuse manipulation and power play?

Question

In the corporate world, you tend to notice that alot of those who climb up and get noticed or are respected are those who really know how to play the social game.

I find it very unfair, however, that those who refuse to play, but desire genuinity and aloneness are not placed as high.
"Wallflower" is a semi-derogatory term, quoted of course, by social climbing extroverts, to describe those who prefer quietness.

It is really hard to juggle the social game and be true to everyone, especially since needs differ. Stepping on toes require placation, and usually ditzy name droppers and socialites eventually just live for the superficial game they play.

The popular social media does not laud the introvert, who would rather go where his heart desires.
How fair is it, that one camp is celebrated for being who they are, while another is derided for it?

There should really be a term for social discrimination.
Introverts shouldn't feel like they are less than anyone.

Answer 1

I agree to an extent, but again you are talking about "Work". A place where you will spend more time at than with your family and friends.

Being social at work, is a benefit. You don't have to be in the bad circle of office politics, but if you want to go up the ladder, then you could be more of a "TEAM PLAYER" and go the extra mile to say hello. This shows people that you are there and some personality.

Going up means you have to communicate. They don't get there with their mouth shut.

GOOD LUCK GIRL

Rachel

Answer 2

First of all the answer is no: You cannot get ahead of the game or win the game by not playing the game. It just does not work that way.

Second, life isn't fair. Understand and accept that now while you are still young and not bitter, lol.

Third, if you desire genuinity (is that a word??) and aloneness...corporate america is not going to provide that. So, you are looking in the wrong place. I

Fourth, be careful of the toes you step on today...they may be connected to the @ss you have to kiss tomorrow (Corporate Politics 101). You cannot avoid this.

Knowing is only HALF the battle in Corporate America. The other half is letting the people above you know that you know.

PS, if you feel like you are less than anyone else, that is a function of your own self esteem, not the function of discrimination.

Answer 3

Firstly you have some very good answers here.

However, I would like to say that introverts are usually more "ideas" oriented and can play a useful part in an organisation.

They are often more intelligent than you give them credit. they work quietly away behind the scenes and produce more valuable contributions that those who sit around tables in conferences all day.

The introvert can take the ideas that come from the conferences and connect them to others and write brilliant documents.

Life at work does not have to be all razzamatazz.

Answer 4

You have a choice - either jump into the rat race, kiss @ss, lie, manipulate, and step on others on the way up - or not. You can follow your heart and be true to yourself, settle for less power, less stress, and not care less what others think.

I can't 'make you feel' anything you don't already feel - on some level. Find a happy medium for yourself, maybe you can learn to move in and out of these dynamics appropriately.

Answer 5

You know, these days social interaction plays a huge role in the business world. It's not just about whose who and how much gossip you can throw around. It's about trust. As head of my logistical field I have learned one thing. That I can't trust another man, or woman, if he/she doesn't first have a drink and an adult conversation with me. I'm not going to put you in charge of a multi-million dollar piece of equipment if you aren't confident, and respectful, mature, and honest. I need to know you have morals first, value in reputation, and a hard work ethic. How do I know these things? I become more personal with someone. Or should I say, they make ways to become more personal with me. They show up to my conferences, and dinner parties. They make their selves know. If you sit in the corner and do the best job you can I might not ever notice you. That's not because I don't want or am trying not to. It's because I have to much on my plate to get to that point. He who speaks, accomplishes. I believe this. It's not my job to come to you, it's your job to come to me and show me that you have what it takes to control the assets I have. Do you agree. Once you have my trust though, I don't care how you accomplish. If you want to isolate, and be in your own world that's fine, as long as I can come to you with what I need and you can provide results. What if I need you to host a brunch? Could you do that? Believe me, I don't want to pawn that off on someone else who is more socially capable and not a specialist in the field. I want to pawn it off to my best. You. And you should be well rounded to deal with this. It's not social discrimination. It's the path of most ease. Good luck to you.

Answer 6

I guess you have to play to win, but the important thing is to rise above the sniping and backbiting that goes along with it. Being committed to your goals doesn't mean you have to undermine others in the process.

Answer 7

A person has to be really good at a job, and have fortuitous luck, or be a 'team player'.

Those are probably the only two alternatives.

Answer 8

You carry on, confidently, in your abilities, seizing every opportunity that comes your way. People will respect you, even if they don't make it known. You will have a growing access to opportunities. Make them yours and continue to enlarge your circle of influence. You will win respect.

Answer 9

It is what it is.