simplify the politics

One good reason to join a group of others instead of going solo is that you can get more done on a team. The same input gets bigger, better output when you make that input alongside others who shape and amplify your efforts. 

When those others are people, there are inevitable power dynamics and politics. People seek safety (practical and psychological) and remain alert to threats to their status. Reasonably, absent clear alternatives, they second guess and curry favor. This is inefficient at the least. It can also devolve badly - to the point that the politics overwhelm the work and people do each other intentional harm. 

A leader who simplifies these politics gives her people a massive gift. This takes integrity, clarity, consistency. It’s one thing our refrains about mission and values and reveal and remark are designed for - tell people how to get ahead, help them do those things, advance them as they do. The route to your praise and to promotions is clear and easy to understand. The skillful guileless newbie has as good a shot at getting ahead as anyone. We feel safe and we use that safety to take risks in service to something bigger than ourselves.

-eric