Over the past two weeks I have had two separate conversations with a cople of fine managers. Surprisingly, both colleagues bemoaned that office politics and managing workplace relationships are becoming burdensome. A conclusion that I’ve reached over the span of my career is that work politics are expected because:
[unordered_list style=”bullet”]- Some people have more power than others as a result of hierarch or another source of influence
- For many people, achieving a promotion is paramount and this can create competition between individuals
- Most workers are zealous about decisions at work and this fosters political behavior as they try to get their way
The sad truth is that to insure that your own success and that of your projects you must manage workplace relationships in order to steer through the stormy waters of office politics.
How can you make office politics work for you?
Here are a few suggestions on how you can make office work for you and not against you.
Re-draw the Organizational Chart
Most organization charts do not truly reflect who has political power. Sit back and observe people’s actions, comments and behavior so you can determine:
[unordered_list style=”bullet”]- Who are the real influencers? Who are the “brains behind the organization”?
- Who has authority but doesn’t use it?
- Who is respected?
Recognize the Informal Network
After discovering where the power and influence lay, now you need to look at social networks.
[unordered_list style=”bullet”]- Who gets along with whom?
- Are there cliques?
- Who s involved in interpersonal conflict? And with whom?
- What is the basis for interrelationship? Is it friendship, respect, control?
Cultivate Relationships
You need to build your own social network after discovering how the existing relationships work.
[unordered_list style=”bullet”]- Be friendly with everyone, but don’t align yourself with one group or another.
- Build relationships with those who have the informal power.
- Make certain that you have relationships that cross the formal hierarch in all directions (peers, bosses, executives).
- Build your relationships based on trust and respect, not empty flattery.
Listen Carefully
People like people who listen to them. And, if you spend more time listening to others, you’ll limit the chances of you saying something that can come back to bite you.
Use Your Network
Promote yourself and your team positively. You have to be the one to communicate your own and your team’s success and abilities to the right eople. Launch your network to:
[unordered_list style=”bullet”]- Build visibility of achievements.
- Attact opportunities where you and your team can shine.
- Seek ways to make yourself, your team and your boss look good.
Manage Your Own Behavior
Through observation you’ll learn what works in your organization’s culture and what doesn’t. There are some general standards that work across any organization that you can implement.
[unordered_list style=”tick”]- Don’t pass on gossip or spread rumors–when you hear something step back and take a day or two to ponder how much credibility the news has.
- Don’t get involved with interpersonal conflicts.
- Always remain professional and always keep the organization’s interest first.
- Don’t whine nor complain.
- When voicing objections make sure it’s not based on personal interests.
As I said before, office politics are inevitable because organizations are made up of people. So let’s change our perspective about workplace politics and accept that it can work for us. Max Messmer, CEO of Robert Half International, said:
The savviest profesionals practice workplace diplomacy. They remain attuned to political undercurrents but don’t allow themselves to get pulled into situations that could compromise their working relationships or reputation.
Very well said. What are your own strategies for working through office politics? What tips do you have for managing workplace relationsips? I’d love to hear your ideas.
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