QUESTION: As a new employee, I find cliques in the project team and I am confused about choosing one.
FACT: it is better to remain neutral in general discussions and take a stand only in work-related matters.
In any organization, most of the people are interested only in their own work and expect appropriate rewards for it. But sometimes, they find that they are being pulled around in different directions. There are not merely diverse points of view, but also different groups or camps trying to influence the company strategy, or simply trying to hijack a ‘visible project, product or an initiative, for their own benefit. In such cases, does remaining neutral help? The right answer will depend upon the situation. Many feel frustrated with the lack of ownership and visibility by being in a neutral camp, while some can take advantage of being a consensus candidate to lead the team when two camps are fighting.
An employee should avoid camps that tend to be ‘political’ in nature. In the end, all that matters is the value addition one can bring to a role. One should avoid taking sides based on one’s opinion about people, but should definitely take a stand on subject-related discussions. But the stand should also not be so firm that it cannot be changed based on new data. However, being neutral in every meeting .or situation might lead to an impression that the person lacks confidence. If one finds oneself taking a neutral position because one is uncertain, then one should do proper groundwork so as to be better equipped to participate well in the next meeting. People do not see any value In having a person who lack an opinions and might not even invite him to be part of discussions since he lacks ideas and suggestions. Those people who have the right skills and are respected need not worry about which camp they fall in, as they know that they will be called for any discussion by virtue of their skills. One cannot rule out an ideological alignment, but that is not considered a ‘group’ or a ‘camp’, which are more political in nature.
It is the employees’ job to seek the roles in which they are most comfortable and is the manager’s job to help them find this role—either in the same project or In a new team.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Concentrate on your work and speak your mind on project issues. It is better to stay neutral if you do not have the full perspective on an issue, You should still network, but avoid loose talk. At meetings, express your standpoint. You should not take a stand on behalf of a particular group just because you feel you’re close to it, A Confident person with great interpersonal skills can deal with this type of situation in a better way. Therefore, you should work towards acquiring such skills.
