Join the Power Group at Work

Someone once told me that politics exist in every business setting that involves more than one person and that identifying and joining the “power group” was critical for upward mobility. That person was correct. Since politics are a big part of the business game, understanding and playing them are sometimes necessary for survival. It seems that at all levels within a company there are those with whom others want to be associated; the “cool kids’ table,” if you will. The in-group consists of those who are already in positions of power, plus their chosen friends.

Members of the power group use their fellow comrades in myriad ways: they rely on each other for promotions, support, introductions, and anything else that will help them get ahead in their organization or in the workplace. Since people in general have a tendency to favor the in-crowd, this group’s opinions and actions carry more weight. 

Furthermore, psychologists have found that the positive characteristics of the in-crowd are usually exaggerated while the negative traits of the corresponding out-crowd are magnified. Therefore, people want to be part of the in-group not only because the group wields more power and influence but also because of the positive feelings of self-worth that come with having this association.

The problem with power groups at work is that they are almost always all male—hence the terms “good old boy network” or “boys’ club.”  Women are often excluded based on gender alone—a pervasive, socially acceptable form of discrimination. And while any kind of discrimination based on gender, race or religion is deplorable, this type of exclusion is particularly harmful to businesswomen and to a business itself. If we can’t rub elbows with the power group in and out of the workplace, women experience yet one more disadvantage or obstacle to success; companies faces challenges in job satisfaction, career development, and ultimately in promoting women into senior ranks due to lack of top talent retention.

Identifying the power group in the workplace is not that difficult. Just look up. If you think that joining this club is based on hard work and ability alone, you are wrong. Gaining entry may depend on a whole host of factors that have nothing to do with the bottom line. Those within organizations often extend entry to those with whom they are comfortable and familiar—competence can take a back seat.

Human behaviorists claim that all of us place people in categories based not only on visible characteristics but also on our assumptions about attitudes, behavior, beliefs, and actions. We classify others on the basis of their similarities to or differences from us. We perceive others as being either in the same category they inhabit or as members of a different category—and we are much more comfortable with those in our category.

The secret for joining the group? Find something you have in common with members of the in-crowd. And since it’s probably not going to be gender, you’ll have to try a little harder.  So go ahead—find a common interest and use it. While the bad news is that power groups based on gender still exist, the good news is that determined women across the U.S. are gaining entry every day.

By Erin Wolf