What is the single most important concern in the minds of young MBAs when they take up their first job? My discovery is that there are actually two concerns and not one, both of equal importance to them: 1. Striking good work-relationship with boss and, 2. Ability to handle Office Politics.

If we delve a little deep we understand that these fears come out of some their summer training experiences which are often their first experience of an industrial organisation. A young guide [usually a Manager of the organization] is often too deeply involved in his own work to provide any ‘quality’ time and guidance to the summer trainee.

Recently I addressed a group of second year MBA students on making successful career. Many students tell me that it was not a very pleasant experience for them. ‘How to handle ‘exclusion’?’ a student asked me. Another student asked me how to handle a boss who was difficult and how to influence people? Somehow students are led to believe that an office is a highly political place with a lot of ego wars.

Building positive relationships ‘proactively’ is a skill that is not taught at management institutes, although it is one of the skills that determine one’s success. The trouble is that management institutes do not impart any skills at all.  From a student’s perspective, the word ‘proactive’ is often understood only at cerebral level; they are victims of education system that places scant value on taking initiative.

Personally I have always tried to help the new joinees to succeed in their initial assignments. Nothing improves one’s confidence like winning praise for the first assignment. There is no way one can remove the fear of bosses or politics in his or her mind. Only the experience will make a difference. So that’s the solution: Give positive experience to a newcomer.

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By Vivek S Patwardhan

VSP as we call him, is an Executive coach and HR consultant. He is also a visiting faculty for the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.During his 33 years career with Asian Paints where he was its HR head at the time of retirement, he played a vital part in shaping the careers of many while shaping the organisation itself.

Please visit his website: http://www.vivekvsp.com