“There is no such thing as permanent enemies or permanent friends… only permanent interests.”
It’s generally a political statement.
Yet, the organization is a political arena.
What is politics? The power dynamics in group decision-making.
What is an organization? The power dynamics in group decision-making.
I prefer to add, “….for the betterment of the local or global society.”
In the organization, the culture is greatest where every member of the organization is aligned around Purpose.
Different people. Different backgrounds. Different statuses. Different ideas. Different beliefs.
Same Purpose.
This is where the organization wins out over broader society. Most often, you cannot choose your neighbors. However, the organization can create systems in order to choose its cohorts.
Same Purpose.
When things begin to feel “personal,” remember these words: “Permanent interests.”
While the workplace is a wonderful place to find friendship and companionship, we must remember the most important driver is Purpose.
Published by JC Hurtado-Prater | Leadership Professor + Consultant
JC Hurtado-Prater serves as Assistant Dean and Associate Professor of Leadership at the Fermanian School of Business at Point Loma Nazarene University where he oversees the graduate business and leadership programs. In addition, through his company, Bluestone Consulting, LLC, JC serves as a leadership consultant for executives and teams at global organizations such as Johnson + Johnson, Cisco, Visa, U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Harbor Freight, Park Hyatt and more.
A veteran of the United States Army, JC earned a BA from UCLA, MBA through Saint Joseph’s College and is currently completing his doctorate in business administration through Indiana Wesleyan University. Passionate about community service in San Diego, JC serves on several local boards for organizations such as UC San Diego, South Bay Community Services, Thrivent Financial Southwest Region and Southwestern College Foundation. JC resides in the 4S Ranch area of San Diego, CA. In his free time, JC enjoys reading, working out and kayaking the California coast.
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