This was interesting. I liked that you named the games in this matter, making it easier to know what to look for. I try as hard as I can to be honest, and I do not like games, but the games is on at most work spaces around the globe. A useful post.

As much as we don't like this "games," it will always be a part of the office environment. I'm a realist, so I just deal with it as soon as I recognize that a game is being played. I'm a survivor of these games...which could be a good idea for my next blog. Thanks for the lead.

Excellent post! Just putting names (labels) on the behaviors helps everyone to recognize, talk about, and stifle the drain of negative energy.

I agree putting policies and procedures in place to discourage game-playing only makes it a more difficult environment to navigate and work in, and punishes those who are not involved.

One of the biggest issues with this stuff is ostrich leaders who put their head in the sand and refuse to address these issues hoping they will go away. They don't, they just grow and get worse creating a toxic environment, low employee morale, lack of creativity and a lot of sick days! I know because I once created my own similar environment and then fixed it.

Now I help companies create their own
"Champion Organization" that do not have personnel engaged in game-playing and if they do, leaders address it directly and immediately.

It's very rewarding work I'm sure Mauricio Goldstein and Phillip Read would agree. I'm looking forward to reading the book.

Games-Office Politics: I know companies which thrived on internal politics, which is now counting its doom days. It sure must have started as fun, which must have led to survival tactics (defensive)and later a killing tactics (offensive). If managers don't curtail it right at its inception, they should know they are heading for doom themselves. Yes some become experts over time, some sacrifice their lives by not playing such dirty games. There are indeed various forms of human beings, some adopt into it to save their loved ones, but many suffer as a consequence. There is no end to it once it has started in full swing and everyone is equal partner in their own doom. If you are clever, you should recognize it, understand it, fight it if you can, but the wisest thing though is to leave the place.

It is great to read the different comments on Games at Work. Both my co-author, Mauricio Goldstein, and myself, had hoped to stimulate a few things when writing this book. Firstly, to create a "natural" vocabulary to talk about games and politics at work. Secondly, to bring out into the open some of the very insidious effects of games on key business processes. Thirdly, to start the movement towards workplaces where games are less prevalent through a careful look at what can realistically be done at a personal and organizational level about game-playing. We are delighted to see the conversations and dialogue starting. More info available on our web-site www.games-at-work.com, and of course in the book.