> Good politics is just being strategic about relationships and influence in the service of good outcomes.
Yeah, no shit dude. That's exactly the part that's disgusting. Using the word "just" here feels dishonest.
I was subjected early on to someone who viewed every single interaction in every single relationship as transactional and framed every decision around the question "what's in it for me?"
It really warped my worldview for a long time and it took a ton of therapy and self-reflection to overcome. I'm not going to sacrifice my principles just to get something I want.
This is what I took away from the post too. I'm not going to invite someone out for a coffee so I can use them down the road. I feel the same way about "networking". The people around you are not tools.
I want no part in "it's not what you know" kinds of situations. I'm paid for what I know. The author seems to think being apolitical means not giving your input or making decisions. If I'm not allowed to do that without sucking up to the higher-ups, I'll find another job. Everyone I respect is above politics.
"good outcomes" doesn't have to be the best outcome for you, personally.
There's no part of me that wants to maintain relationships for the express purpose of extracting value in the future for gain -- personal or otherwise.
I simply refuse to let the end justify the means, whatever that end is.