I believe that we all operate on the basis of our hidden agendas… sometimes hidden even from our conscious self. Agendas are good as long as they are properly (my definition) used. Hidden agendas, on the other hand, are typically not good as they are manipulative and self promoting. The primary reason I say they are not good is … if they were positive why the need to hide?
Yet, I do believe we all consciously or not have and operate on hidden agendas. Why? To suggest that they really aren’t ‘bad‘ begs the question. Why do we keep them hidden? Undoubtedly part of the reason is that on some level we believe them to be somewhat self promoting and thus not necessarily ‘acceptable’ to others. Since you wouldn’t want to spend your talent, time, energy, etc. to promote someone else, why would anyone do the same for you’ thinking.
I would suggest that the other reason we have hidden agendas is that though they may not be totally ‘illegal’ or immoral, they are tinged with sneakiness and hovering close to the illegal/immoral line. Or maybe we just aren’t completely convinced in our own mind that they are positive.??? Or maybe you are completely convinced that this is the best way to proceed, legal or not.
Being ‘hidden’ provides you a safe distance if it blows up – deniable culpability. You do realize that if you are not responsible for the disaster, how can you claim the accolade for the success?! A hidden agenda is really a double edged sword. Hidden agendas also require a great deal of work – far more than if everyone was aware. You have to subtly convince and adjust others to the approach without seeming to be involved. Actually… in the final analysis hidden agendas are a lose-lose.
…but, what do you think? what do you believe?
