That said, I should point out that the person I reference in the post is a consummate pro and, I’m sure, handling the situation withe great skill, sensitivity and aplomb. He’s gonna come through just fine. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he eventually ended up running the joint. Really. (Not just blowing smoke.)

Nevertheless, keep the comments coming. I love to find out what’s in your twisted little minds, especially when it pertains to what’s in mine

Funny, just last night my daughter asked me if she should run for class prez. She is in middle school now and was interested in my pov [don't know how long that will last.] Nonetheless, she was aware that it would be difficult and political. She felt like she has some good ideas and could really help the class. I told her that she should give it a shot, but it would not be easy.

First and foremost, we discussed how she needed to get support of her friends and other groups. That she needs folks that will speak on her behalf, defend her pov, be her eyes & ears, and just be there for her.

Sounds like your friends has been busy with the right projects, team and scope…but now he really needs to invest some critical time cultivating a support network. Without that, it will be tough going.

One last bit of advice though it is obvious, I find most people don’t give it enough weight in their decisions…time is one of your top assets, right up there with capital and ability. Whatever your friend decides to do, fight or flee, move on it sooner rather than later because everyone’s time is fixed. Problem is nobody knows how long he or she has, so why not be happy for as long as you can.

Times like these I’m often reminded of my 7th Grade math teacher–who didn’t really teach me squat about math, but was full of seemingly useless “life advice” and sayings. My personal fav “Nobody ever looks smart by looking stupid”. Now you can apply this to about a hundred different situations–including this one. In the competitive arena of office politic, nobody likes looking stupid–even (and sometimes especially) if the smart looking guy is on your team. Example: Manager to employee: “Wow, Peter that’s a great idea. Why didn’t you think of that Joe (while thinking…who I’m paying 25% more to)?”

Matt’s probably right–a meeting to flatten these issues is the right way. I’m sure they teach that at Harvard or something.

Or wait.

Maybe there’s a better way.

Yes. Your friend needs to roll up his sleeves and fight the good fight. Make the other guys look stupid with his smart work. In the end, the office politics slowly give way to one important fact. Those dudes who make the boss money, who advance the team, who help the whole company win with his personal contributions elevate thru the ranks and become invaluable to the boss. That’s what stars do…they become super-stars and eventually senior management. It takes time. Sometime lots of time. But if you are a smart guy, you’ll elevate. Once at the top, you can decide how/if to deal with office politics.

Until then, I’d tell him to keep low and keep moving forward. No one ever impressed senior management by asking for a meeting to talk about office politics. To talk about smart ideas for moving the company forward, yes. To whine about why Sally is mistreating me and Johnny doesn’t respect me, no. Those guys get branded and sent back to the pen–and that brand stays with you forever.