DEALING WITH OFFICE POLITICS

Topics

Politics are real and unavoidable How political are you About political types How to size up the political climate Winning strategies Rising above it all 7 Habits of Politically Savvy People

POLITICS ARE REAL AND UNAVOIDABLE

Not all politics are badRealize that this is realityExpect politics in all situationsPolitics are part of human interaction

What is Office Politics? Communicating indirectly Using covert tactics to advance Controlling other people through psychological manipulation Being cautions about telling the truth Hiding vulnerability Currying favor

ORGANIZATIONAL POLITICS

“Involves intentional acts of Influence to enhance or protect The self interest of individuals

Or groups”

What Creates Office Politics Scarcity of resources A too competitive work environment Subjective performance standards Unclear job definitions Emotional insecurity

How Political Are You

Answer the question with your first impression

Think most of the time when answering

You can also use these questions to help identify people in your office.

About Political Types

Corporate Shark Climber Survivor Straight Arrow Lamb for Slaughter

Corporate Shark Score of 90 plus Tends to use others to enhance career Power-hungry, ruthless, and devious

Example: Looking Good

Pete Pete is a supervisor who is ambitious to a fault. Everything he does is for effect. One of his ground rules is that only positive information makes its way from him to his boss. Negative news is totally ignored. He makes it clear that anyone in his group who says bad things about him or the organization risks getting fired. If an employee openly disagrees, he or she is labeled a non-supporter. Everyone who reports to Pete agrees the best practice is to fall into line and be a “yes person

Climber Score of 75 to 89 Shrewd politician A moderate score (75-85) suggests you

might have a good chance of success Politics are everything - let’s campaign

Example: Power by Association

MikeMike is a young marketing manager. He sees work as a game and compulsively seeks to be a winner. He gets turned on by challenging, competitive activities where he can prove himself. He hates being pushed around. His goal is to become more powerful because power means freedom. To expand his influence and to increase his chances of advancement, he is developing very strong relationships with major customers who can make demands on his company

Survivor Score of 50-75 Practices some office politics and is

aware of the political climate Ok, what do I have to do to survive

Example: The Copywriters’ Clique

When When Kate became a copywriter for a newspaper in a large city, she was invited to join her group for lunch her first day on the job. She discovered the group met informally once a week to gossip, to exchange inside tips, and to get to know one another better. Kate quickly learned the value of trading information at these events. The message was clear: lunch was political. A final note: It’s important to remember that to be human is to be political. Whenever people’s priorities, values, and interests diverge, some type of politicking usually takes place.

Straight Arrow Score of 35-49 Not perceived as office politician May neglect cultivating key people for

career advancement Honesty is the best policy

Lamb for Slaughter Score of less than 35 Doesn’t believe in office politics Commonly boasts of never practicing

office politics Easily eaten by sharks

Sizing up the Climate Who’s related to who About my boss

Irritations Enemies Personal facts Politics practiced Identify the true power and players Look below - motivations What are favored behaviors and status symbols

What’s Your Corporate Climate Answer the question with your first

impression Think most of the time when answering

Winning Strategies

Help your boss succeed Be loyal, avoid disloyalty Praise your boss to upper management Imitate your boss’ slogans Present options Be visible Teach your boss a skill Be different - not part of whining masses

Rising Above it All

Shine at meetings Compliment influential people Talk big, outside the box Appear cool under pressure Display good corporate manners Learn new skills and sell them Be a team player

7 Habits of Politically Savvy People1. Politics are part of human

interaction - you can set the tone by: Not participating in gossip Telling the truth Checking out praises and criticism

7 Habits of Politically Savvy People2. Help design/define clear job roles

and compatible teams.3. Expose dirty tricks used by the sharks.4. Don’t allow anyone to “get” something

on you that can be used later.

7 Habits of Politically Savvy People5. Make emotional deposits with the

people you work with.6. Be known as a producer and not a

politician.7. Lift others up with you and forgive

failures.

Review

Politics are unavoidable How political are you What’s your corporate climate How to rise above it all 7 Habits of Politically Savvy

People