For Julius Caesar, it was Brutus. For Jesus Christ, it was Judas.

Your biggest threats in business might just be within your inner circle…

History has the power to teach us many valuable lessons…

Oftentimes, we hear of the most powerful executives, presidents, or historical figures being brought to their downfall as a result of somebody ousting them within their inner circle.

In the world of business, very similar things happen all the time.

Power struggles are prevalent in all aspects of society.

From gender relations to the fight for political power, the underlying concept is that people want POWER.

Examples:

• Republicans VS Democrats
• Man VS Woman
• The Family – Sibling rivalries, families competing over wealth, status, etc.
• Media – Those who control the media control the narrative. Media outlets have tremendous power to make or break people, ideologies, and organizations. Corporations within the media then fight to have the most power because they understand the control it gives them over the world…
• Economy – Global powers fight for power all the time. Look at the world right now.
• The Workforce – Employee vs employee, executive vs executive, company vs company)

Your Biggest Threats in Business Might Be Within

When it comes to business, people need to be careful of those they work with and deal with.

Whether this is a co-worker, employer, advisor, investor, board member, or a collaborating company, you should never assume that they have the company’s best intentions in mind and are simply “looking to do the right thing” for business.

Most people are only concerned with one thing: THEMSELVES.

A perfect example of this is when someone gets a great job or makes it big, and all of a sudden, everyone wants to be their friend. It’s funny how they think people won’t see through their B.S. 

We live in a very selfish society.

While there are many good-hearted people, many people are often only concerned with their own self-interests.

They see others, not as humans, but as people who may be a resource for their own gain.

In the workforce, employees may pretend to be kind to others or get closer to people so they can use them as a tool for their own gain.

If they perceive others as a threat, they will do whatever they think necessary to undermine them or get rid of them.

As more people are brought on board, people within the company begin to feel threatened.

This goes for corporations as well. One corporation may do whatever it can do to destroy another business so it can rise to power.

A great example of this, is the hit HBO show, Succession.  

The series centers on the Roy family, which is based on the Murdoch family (NewsCorp). The show revolves around the dysfunctional owners of Waystar RoyCo, a global media, and entertainment conglomerate, who are fighting for control of the company amid uncertainty about the health of the family’s patriarch, Logan Roy. The show also does a great job showcasing how corporations fight one another for power.

Succession leads the charge for this year’s Emmy Awards with 25 nominations.

As a company continues to grow and rise to success, it’s important that business owners and executives are cautious of others on the team.

Be on the lookout for employees who may have alternative motives. These types of people are manipulative, divisive, and conniving.

Most often, they are unsuspecting but eventually, people slip up and their actions (or words) reveal their true intentions.

These individuals don’t have the company’s best intentions in mind and are only concerned with their self-interests.

How to Find the Defectors…

To detect the “defectors,” monitor employee behaviors closely and determine whether or not they have the company’s best intentions in mind.

Through conversation, detailed observation, and experience, you will begin to notice who within your team is actually on your team.

It is best to get rid of these people before they destroy the company and create more problems.

A business owner should never waste their time, resources, and money on people who don’t have the company’s best intentions in mind and strive for success.

REMEMBER: People are replaceable.

Generally speaking, it’s important employees establish great chemistry and relationships with one another, allowing them to work well together.

When hiring, find people who have the innate desire to succeed and are willing to go the extra mile without being told.

Business owners, executives, and managers should never tolerate anything less than what they expect and demand.

Build trust with those you admire and respect. Create allies you can confide in. You will need it.

READ MORE: 6 Ways to Be a Great Leader

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Elena Patestas is a journalist and writer for Valuetainment media. She attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and Adelphi University on Long Island, New York. She was born and raised in Roslyn, New York, and currently lives in Miami, Florida.

Elena is passionate about bringing positive change to our world and believes education is the root to solving many societal problems. After overcoming a chronic health condition, Elena became passionate about health and believes food is the key to preventing dis-ease and achieving optimum health.

Amongst her many goals, she hopes to bring positive, impactful change to our world to create a healthy, financially sound, and unified society.