Power Struggle, Arm Wrestling With Your Colleagues

When we're at work, we don't like to be criticized, especially by our colleagues. I know this from experience because while I'm working, it seems like every mistake that I might make would be exaggerated by colleagues just to make me look bad in front of my boss. This was always hard to deal with since the classical methods are "be better than them" or "give them their just desserts", but neither are really satisfying. The main goals that I would like to meet are to be comfortable at work; feel like I'm accomplishing something; and receive my honest wage. Though it is nice to be recognized for the good things that we do, I don't think it helps much to try to show your work off. If a boss likes it enough, they will show it off themselves.

However, when it comes to working with colleagues, there always seems to be this underlying power struggle. For the most part, I believe that it arises when there is a role within some group that is not being filled. Most people, quick thinking and ambitious, will see this as an opportunity to demonstrate leadership capabilities, or else it could be a natural tendency to want to fill that role because it gives them self-gratification. Whatever the reason, how we handle it is a choice within ourselves. When we seek to fill the role ourselves, whether this is when the role is being decided or by disagreeing and filling the role distinctly in our minds, we will find ourselves conflicting with others. But how much should we fight for the role?

I don't believe we should fight for the role. Most of us are good at some things and perhaps leadership is one of those things that we are not good at. Though it is bothersome when colleagues or bosses begin to exercise their power over you and make your life harder, that's something that we deal with one way or another. You can't take control of another's actions, but we can control our own. We should make sure that we are doing everything we can to do our work and that will be proof enough. When the time comes and you'll know it when it does, your voice will be heard and you won't have struggle for power. 

Though it is especially hard when others take credit for your work, you may always look for other options than just sitting by. Don't be scared to meet with higher-ups or look for a better situation than the one you are in..Understanding the opportunities that are available to you is one of the hallmarks of success. You need to feel comfortable, as a part of life. I believe that a good leader will help you meet your goals, but when one is absent you learn to look out for yourself. 

One of the solutions that I have found is to try to understand your boss's goals and help him to reach them, but not for power; for peace. You don't need to like your boss or your colleagues, you don't have to be friends or enemies, you just have to know what you're doing and who you need to accomplish the tasks at hand. Once you begin closing your mind, you've already lost. If you establish peace in the end everything will work itself out. One day, you'll get lucky enough to have a good boss and colleagues who work together and understand team dynamics, but you should never be the one that is keeping that from coming together. Be open to change, open to possibilities and change. It may all be in your mind in the end.