Creatives & Corporate Politics: Effects In The Wonderful World of Shared Services
Alexander Castro II
Creative Director for APAC | Global Collaborator | Recruiter | Marketing. Branding. Advertising. Design Thinking. AI.
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.
"Shared services in a business process outsourcing (BPO) company refer to the consolidation of common business functions, such as finance, marketing, human resources, accounting, and IT, into a centralized unit that can be shared by multiple parts of the organization. The main value of shared services in a BPO company is cost savings. By centralizing and standardizing certain business functions, a BPO company can achieve economies of scale and reduce duplicative efforts. This can lead to lower costs, increased efficiency, and improved quality. Additionally, shared services can also help a BPO company improve its ability to respond to changes in the market and customer demands, as well as enable it to focus on its core competencies."
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:
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:
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.
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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:
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.
Media, Creatives and Marketing Professional
2 年This is a good read Alex ??