MACHIAVELLI’S GUIDE TO SURVIVAL
Use to protect yourself against Machiavellian colleagues and bosses.
Out of work and looking for a job, Machiavelli penned a job application to the Magnificent Lorenzo de Medici. In the history of the world it was one of the better job applications and was later published as The Prince.
MACHIAVELLI’S SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR LEADERS PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF ADVICE INCLUDING:
Leaders must deal with the reality that confronts them, not the reality they wish existed.
Leaders must never rest on their laurels. Instead they should use quiet periods to plan their future strategy.
It’s safer to trust an old enemy than an old friend because the enemy will be grateful and constantly seek to demonstrate their loyalty.
An act is virtuous if it achieves its aim – a case of the ends justifying the means.
To avoid future conflict a new leader must destroy the remnants of the old regime completely.
Those who help a leader achieve power often become a threat because they believe that the leader is indebted to them. They must be eliminated.
Leaders should eliminate any threat to their position before it has a chance to grow.
It’s better for a leader to be feared than loved as the fear of retribution buys more loyalty than love ever can.
HOW TO USE IT
- In applying this entry I don’t suggest that you buy a white Persian cat which you stroke languidly while interrogating your staff. Rather, use Machiavelli’s ideas as a defence against conspirators, psychopaths and Machiavellian bosses and colleagues.
- As a manager never fool yourself, or allow anyone else to mislead you, about the reality of the situation you face. Only by confronting reality can you deal with the present and plan for the future.
- Never rest on your laurels. Use downtime to search for potential threats and opportunities and devise a strategy for dealing with them should they occur (see Theories 67–70).
- As an employee protect yourself against managers who believe that the ends justify the means. They are unlikely to shy away from disposing of you if it suits their purpose. Remember it’s better to be useful to a Machiavellian manager than to be their friend.
- Many new senior managers change their management team within a year of appointment as a way of stamping their authority on the organisation and staff. If you think this may happen prepare an escape route just in case you need it.
- Anyone you helped reach a position of authority may see you as a threat. If this is a possibility make yourself useful to them or plan your escape.
- Avoid investing your work with too much emotional significance (feeling of belonging, status, worth). Corporate organisations have no such feelings. Their contract with you is based on a business transaction and if they need to let you go they will. Recognise this and rethink your relationship with work and you will never be disappointed or surprised by how you are treated.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
- How can I recognise a Machiavellian manager?
- What’s my strategy for dealing with Machiavellian managers?