BE A WINNER IN OFFICE POLITICS
Now that we have come to
understand office politics, the question ism, how do we get involve in the game?
There are several habits involving office politics, it's important you get familiar with them to be able to win in the game.
"Office politics – a taboo word for some people. It’s a pervasive thing at the workplace. In it’s simplest form, office politics is simply about the differences between people at work; differences in opinions, conflicts of interests are often manifested as office politics. It all goes down to human communications and relationships.
There is no need to be afraid of office politics. Top performers are those who have mastered the art of winning in office politics:" QUOTE: LIFEHACK.
EXCERPT:
BE AWARE YOU HAVE A CHOICE
The most common reactions to politics at work are either fight or flight. It’s normal human reaction for survival in the wild, back in the prehistoric days when we were still hunter-gatherers. Sure, the office is a modern jungle, but it takes more than just instinctive reactions to win in office politics. Instinctive fight reactions will only cause more resistance to whatever you are trying to achieve; while instinctive flight reactions only label you as a pushover that people can easily take for granted. Neither options are appealing for healthy career growth.
Winning requires you to consciously choose your reactions to the situation. Recognize that no matter how bad the circumstances, you have a choice in choosing how you feel and react. So how do you choose? This bring us to the next point…
Re-Map the Organization Chart
Office Politics often circumvent the formal organization chart. Sit back and watch for a while and then re-map the organization chart in terms of political power.
Who are the real influencers?
Who has authority but doesn't exercise it?
Who is respected?
Who champions or mentors others?
Who is "the brains behind the organization"?
Build Relationships
Now that you know how the existing relationships work, you need to build your own social network accordingly.
Do not be afraid of politically powerful people in the organization. Get to know them.
Ensure you have relationships that cross the formal hierarchy in all directions (peers, bosses, executives).
Start to build relationships with those who have the informal power.
Build your relationships on trust and respect – avoid empty flattery.
Be friendly with everyone but don't align yourself with one group or another.
Be a part of multiple networks – this way you can keep your finger on the pulse of the organization.
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE
When conflicts happens, it’s very easy to be sucked into tunnel-vision and focus on immediate differences. That’s a self-defeating approach. Chances are you’ll only invite more resistance by focusing on differences in people’s positions or opinions.
The way to mitigate this without looking like you’re fighting to emerge as a winner in this conflict is to focus on the business objectives. In the light of what’s best for the business, discuss the pros and cons of each option. Eventually, everyone wants the business to be successful; if the business don’t win, then nobody in the organization wins. It’s much easier for one to eat the humble pie and back off when they realize the chosen approach is best for the business.
By learning to steer the discussion in this direction, you will learn to disengage from petty differences and position yourself as someone who is interested in getting things done. Your boss will also come to appreciate you as someone who is mature, strategic and can be entrusted with bigger responsibilities.
Govern Your Own Behavior
Through observation you'll learn what works in your organization's culture and what doesn't. Watch other people at work and identify successful behaviors that you can model. There are also some general standards to observe that will stop negative politics from spreading.
Don't pass on gossip, questionable judgments, spread rumors – when you hear something, take a day to consider how much credibility it has.
Rise above interpersonal conflicts – do not get sucked into arguments.
Maintain your integrity at all times – always remain professional, and always remember the organization's interests.
Be positive – avoid whining and complaining.
Be confident and assertive but not aggressive.
When voicing objections or criticism, make sure you take an organizational perspective not a personal one.
Don't rely on confidentiality – assume things will be disclosed and so decide what you should reveal accordingly.
Be a model of integrity to your team, and discourage politics within it.
DON’T TAKE SIDES
In office politics, it is possible to find yourself stuck in between two power figures who are at odds with each other. You find yourself being thrown around while they try to outwit each other and defend their own position. All at the expense of you getting the job done. You can’t get them to agree on a common decision for a project, and neither of them want to take ownership of issues; they’re too afraid they’ll get stabbed in the back for any mishaps.
In cases like this, focus on the business objectives and don’t take side with either of them – even if you like one better than the other. Place them on a common communication platform and ensure open communications among all parties so that no one can claim “I didn’t say that”.
By not taking sides, you’ll help to direct conflict resolution in an objective manner. You’ll also build trust with both parties. That’ll help to keep the engagements constructive and focus on business objectives.
Understand the Informal Network
Once you know who's who in the organization, you have a good idea of where the power and influence lay. Now you have to understand the social networks.
Who gets along with whom?
Are there groups or cliques that have formed?
Who is involved in interpersonal conflict?
Who has the most trouble getting along with others?
What is the basis for the interrelationship? Friendship, respect, manipulation?
How does the influence flow between the parties?
KEY POINT:
Learn to think in terms of “how can we both win out of this situation?” This requires that you first understand the other party’s perspective and what’s in it for him. Next, understand what’s in it for you. Strive to seek out a resolution that is acceptable and beneficial to both parties. Doing this will ensure that everyone truly commit to the agree resolution and not pay only lip-service to it.
Positive or negative – politics happens. The philosopher Plato said, "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." And this hold true today in the workplace: If you don't participate in the political game, you risk not having a say in what happens and allowing people with less experience, skill or knowledge to influence the decisions being made around you.
Office Politics are a fact of life. Wise politicking will help you get what you want in the world of work without compromising others in the process. Learn to use its power positively while diffusing the efforts of those who abuse it.
