What comes to your mind when you hear of office politics? Employees‘ jostling for promotions or positions in the company? Seeking favouritism from boss? Backstabbing fellow workers? Pretence or lip service? Spreading rumours?
Believe it or not, office politics form part of every organisation. Since humans have different emotions, need, insecurities, motives and agendas, office politics arise when these differences of personalities, needs and opinions become difficult to manage. However, it is still possible to promote oneself or cause in any organisation without compromising ones values or the organisation’s. To get ahead over office politics, you have to make it work to your advantage.
The following 7 tips can help you to do this:
1. Analyse the organisation structure
Office politics is built on the formal organizational structure. Instead of pursuing people’s rank or job title, sit back and map out the political power and influence in your organisation. Ask questions like ‘Who are the real influencers?’, ‘Who are those in authourity but are behind the scenes?’, ‘Who mentors and champions others?’, ‘Who is the boss?’
2. Understand the informal sector
After you understand where the power and influence, examine your colleagues interactions and associations to understand the informal or social networks. Understand who gets along with who and the person who finds it more difficult to interact with others. Notice the underlying motives behind these connections. Are they based on friendship, romance, respect, favouritism or others? Then understand how influence flows between them.
3. Build connections
The next step is to start building your own social network. Go beyond your immediate team and cross the organisation hierarchy from co-workers, managers and executives. Be bold to form alliances with politically powerful people. Get to know them and connect with them on a deeper dimension devoid of empty flattery. Ensure you are friendly with everyone. Don’t align yourself too closely with one group over another.
4.Work on your ‘People’ skills
Build strong interpersonal skills. This is the key to getting along with people. Reflect on your emotions, how it prompts people and how you can handle them. This way you know how to think before acting. Emotional intelligence would help you pick up on other people’s emotions and know what kind of approach they dislike or like. Listen to them to understand and not to respond.
5. Maximise your network
Use your relationships to build your personal brand and team. Communicating your achievements to your connections open up opportunities to promote yourself, your team and your boss. They can act as the ‘bridge’ between you and other colleagues.
6. Be confident in your abilities
Since your first instinct may be to keep your distance from people who practice “bad” politics, the opposite which is advisable is more effective. The expression, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” also applies to office politics. Know who are the gossips and manipulators. Stay guarded and be courteous around them so they don’t implicate you. Understand their motives so you can avoid the impact of negative politicking.
7. Remain professional
Don’t take sides or get caught up in arguments or fights. Whenever a conflict arises, note that it doesn’t matter having a winner or loser. Try to create a win-win situation. When you voice your concerns or criticisms, be confident, professional and assertive.