Creatives & Corporate Politics: Effects In The Wonderful World of Shared Services

The bureaucracy and hierarchy that dominate the shared services setting can have detrimental effects on the psyche of those who possess the ability to think outside of the box.

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For the creative, the corporate environment can be a harsh mistress, demanding conformity at every turn and offering little room for individuality. The constant push to conform can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, as the creative begins to question the value of their unique talents and abilities.

But, just as the meek shall inherit the earth, so too can the creative thrive in the corporate world, if they are able to navigate the treacherous waters of politics with wisdom and grace.

First, it is important to understand that corporate politics is simply a reflection of the human condition. Just as all things contain their opposite, so too does the corporate world contain both light and dark. It is not necessarily evil or corrupt, but rather a necessary part of any organization made up of human beings.

It is also important to remember that the corporate world is not inherently hostile to creativity. In fact, many companies recognize the value of creative thinking and actively seek out individuals with unique talents and abilities. But, just as the winds of change can be difficult to predict, so too can the corporate world be unpredictable and ever-changing. It is not uncommon for the creative to find themselves at odds with the powers that be, and oftentimes are unable to execute the right control on their emotions.

Here is a list of potential effects of corporate politics on creatives:

1. Stifling of creativity: The constant push for conformity in a corporate setting can stifle the creative process and inhibit the ability to think outside of the box.
2. Loss of motivation and engagement: Creatives may become demotivated and disengaged as their ideas and contributions are not recognized or valued within the organization.
3. Decrease in productivity: Creatives may become less productive as they struggle to navigate the political landscape of the organization.
4. Self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy: Creatives may begin to question the value of their unique talents and abilities as they are constantly facing resistance and pushback.
5. Behavioural backlash: Creatives may experience microaggressions, such as being interrupted or ignored in meetings, or being passed over for promotions and other opportunities. Behavioural backlash refers to the phenomenon where individuals respond to attempts to change their behaviour by pushing back and reinforcing their original behaviour. This can occur when people feel that their autonomy or freedom is being threatened, or when they feel that they are being coerced into behaving a certain way. Behavioural backlash can be a challenge in fields such as public health, marketing, and organizational behaviour, where people's actions are being influenced by others.
6. Burnout: The stress of navigating the political landscape of the organization can contribute to feelings of burnout and exhaustion.
7. Loss of trust and lack of communication: Creatives may lose trust in their colleagues and superiors, leading to a breakdown in communication and collaboration.
8. Difficulty in making impactful changes: The corporate political environment can make it difficult for creatives to implement their ideas and contribute to the organization's growth and development.
9. Impact on well-being: The effects of corporate politics on creatives can have a negative impact on their overall well-being and mental health.

Let's keep in mind that these are just potential effects, some creatives might not be impacted in this way, but for some it can have a significant outcomes on their job satisfaction, work performance and mental health. Additionally, these issues may not be exclusive to only creative roles, this can also occur in other positions and departments.

It is important to remember that such behaviours are not personal, but are rather a reflection of the politics of the organization. Rather than internalizing these experiences and allowing them to erode one's self-worth, the creative must learn to detach themselves from the situation and remain true to their own talents and abilities.

Here is a list of ways that companies can mitigate the negative effects of corporate politics on the psyche of creatives:

1. Encourage open communication and transparency: By fostering an open and transparent environment, companies can create an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect, where creatives feel safe to express their ideas and opinions.
2. Provide opportunities for growth and development: Companies should provide opportunities for creatives to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and expand their knowledge and expertise.
3. Foster a culture of inclusion and innovation: Creatives need to feel included and valued in the organization. By fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation, companies can create an environment where creatives feel their contributions are recognized and appreciated.
4. Promote diverse thinking and ideas: Creatives are often able to think outside of the box, and by promoting diverse thinking and ideas, companies can tap into the wealth of talent and potential that lies within their organization.
5. Recognize and reward creativity: Companies should recognize and reward the contributions of creatives and make sure their work is seen and understood. This can help to inspire confidence and motivation.
6. Improve feedback mechanisms: Companies should have a clear feedback mechanism in place, so that creatives can receive regular feedback on their ideas, progress and performance.
7. Provide mentorship and coaching opportunities: Companies should provide mentorship and coaching opportunities to creatives, so that they can receive guidance and support from more experienced colleagues.
8. Encourage a healthy work-life balance: Companies should encourage and support a healthy work-life balance among its employees, to help reduce the negative impact of stress and burnout on the psyche of creatives.
9. Understand the company's culture and politics: Creatives should be given an understanding of the company's culture and politics, and they should also be educated on the decision-making process and how they can adapt their ideas to fit the company's ecosystem.

By implementing these strategies, companies can create an environment where creatives can thrive, and their unique talents and abilities can be fully utilized for the benefit of the organization.

While the list provided is a good starting point for companies to mitigate the negative effects of corporate politics on the psyche of creatives, it is also important to keep in mind that this list is applicable only in an ideal scenario, in which the company is willing to address the issue.

If the company is not willing to resolve the matter, it can be difficult for creatives to make changes within the organization. In such cases, creatives may need to look for alternative solutions that can help them to cope with the negative effects of corporate politics.

Here are some proactive steps that creatives can take to ensure a positive transition:

1. Networking with others in similar situations: Creatives can seek out and connect with other individuals who are also facing similar challenges within their organizations. This can provide a valuable support system, and can help creatives to gain a better understanding of the challenges they are facing.
2. Seeking out mentorship and coaching: Creatives can seek out mentorship and coaching opportunities outside of their organization, which can help them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their current environment.
3. Prioritizing self-care: Creatives should make sure they are taking care of their physical, emotional and mental well-being. It's crucial to establish healthy habits that can counterbalance the negative effects of corporate politics on the psyche.
4. Considering other job opportunities: Creatives should be open to exploring other job opportunities within or outside of their field that may provide a better working environment for them.
5. Being vocal and assertive: Creatives should not be afraid to voice their concerns and assert their needs and wants. They should speak with their managers or HR, if the issues are not being addressed. If the company is still not taking action, they should consider going to a union representative or an attorney if the situation escalates.

That's why it is essential for creatives to understand that not every company will be a perfect fit for them, and that it may be necessary to move on to a new organization in order to find a more conducive work environment. This can be a difficult decision to make, but it is important to remember that the ultimate goal is to find a place where one can thrive and reach their full potential.

To navigate the corporate world with wisdom and grace, it is paramount to develop a strong sense of self-awareness and self-discipline. The creative must learn to stay focused on their own goals and not get caught up in the politics of the organization.

At the same time, it is important to remember that the creative is not alone in their struggles. There are others who share their plight, and by joining together they can form a powerful force for change. It is important to stay true to oneself, and to not be afraid to stand up for one's beliefs and values.

The corporate world can be a challenging and unforgiving place, but it is also full of opportunity. With wisdom, grace, and a strong sense of self, the creative can make their mark on the world.

In conclusion, the shared services setting can be challenging and unforgiving place for the creatives, but it is not impossible to navigate the corporate politics, develop a strong sense of self-awareness and self-discipline, and stay true to one's talents and abilities is key to success. The creative mind should not be stifled or suppressed by bureaucracy and hierarchy, but rather it should be allowed to flourish and contribute to the organization's growth and development.

Managers and leaders have to be aware of the unique challenges faced by creatives in the shared services setting and actively support and cultivate their talents and ideas. This can be achieved through open communication, providing opportunities for growth and development, and fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation. Change and progress take time, and it may not be possible to resolve all issues immediately. Nevertheless, by taking proactive steps, both the company and creatives can work together to create a more positive and productive work environment.

For creatives, it is valuable to keep their minds open but also to be aware of their surroundings, knowing the company's culture, it's politics and the decision-making process. By understanding the overall company's ecosystem it will give them an idea of what actions may or may not work and how they can adapt to the system to create a greater impact.

In the end, it is up to each individual creative to take responsibility for their own well-being and success in the corporate world. With perseverance and a steadfast commitment to one's talents and abilities, the creative can rise above the politics and make a meaningful contribution to the organization and society as a whole.

Okay. Time for lunch.