Practise Positive Politics
Can't avoid office politics? Our expert tells you how to play it right. By Yanni Tan
Think politics is a dirty word? Think again. Executive coach Mark Holden says to play a game of positive politics at work: "Politics in an organisation is a reality. Everybody's had a bad experience before, and most people view it negatively. On the contrary, positive politics focuses on adding value to relationships within organisations - developing allies, not saboteurs. It is about identifying mutual goals and developing 'I win, you win, the organisation wins' strategies." Want to empower yourself with the right political moves? Here's how:
Always network
Take an active interest in developing contacts and acquaintances throughout organisations and across industries. It's about developing two-way relationships that are mutually beneficial. If you're at a social function, try to establish some common ground by asking questions like "What do you do for a living?" and "Have you belonged to this club/organisation long?" Use the common ground as a starting point for building a relationship.
Market yourself
There are more people out there who are more willing to put you down than sing your praises. If you don't sing your own praises, who will? There is a fine line between self-marketing and blowing your own trumpet, so there is a great value in brushing up the skill of promoting yourself in a positive, non-aggressive way.
Display true-blue professionalism
Perhaps an overused term, but it is important to conduct yourself in a highly professional manner. Do what you do well, always follow through, do what you say you will and don't let your colleagues and contacts down. People have extremely long and vivid memories, so don't make promises you can't keep.
Sow without a view to reap
When it comes to offering information, or giving advice and support, do it freely and with no strings attached. Not everyone for whom you do a favour will necessarily do one in return. But over time, you will accumulate a critical mass of goodwill that will come back to you.
Get noticed for the right reasons
Competence, confidence, credibility and trust not only build a successful career, but also a good reputation and a positive political environment for yourself. Incompetence undermines your credibility on every front and brings into doubt any idea or suggestion you present, regardless of how good or effective they are. Don't stumble around blindly trying to "learn from your mistakes". Go back to school, attend a training course, read.
Avoid career limiting moves
Avoid actions or behaviour that can make you look incompetent, foolish, immature or all three. The worst kind are those of personal grief, embarrassment or which discredit people whom you report to or who can influence your career. Some boo-boos are impersonating the boss or talking about them in derogatory terms, associating with troublemakers, getting angry and expressing your emotions by taking it out on co-workers and burning bridges.
Know thy enemy
People who practise negative politics are motivated by self-interest and only do the deed quietly. However dirty it gets, never allow the politics of a situation to distract you. The best defence is always having an established reputation and ensuring the support of those who matter. For example, to avoid an onslaught during a major presentation, consider all the players involved, identify pockets of resistance and endeavour to win these people over incdluding the potential attacker.
Extracted from Simply Her February 2005 Issue.
Think politics is a dirty word? Think again. Executive coach Mark Holden says to play a game of positive politics at work: "Politics in an organisation is a reality. Everybody's had a bad experience before, and most people view it negatively. On the contrary, positive politics focuses on adding value to relationships within organisations - developing allies, not saboteurs. It is about identifying mutual goals and developing 'I win, you win, the organisation wins' strategies." Want to empower yourself with the right political moves? Here's how:
Always network
Take an active interest in developing contacts and acquaintances throughout organisations and across industries. It's about developing two-way relationships that are mutually beneficial. If you're at a social function, try to establish some common ground by asking questions like "What do you do for a living?" and "Have you belonged to this club/organisation long?" Use the common ground as a starting point for building a relationship.
Market yourself
There are more people out there who are more willing to put you down than sing your praises. If you don't sing your own praises, who will? There is a fine line between self-marketing and blowing your own trumpet, so there is a great value in brushing up the skill of promoting yourself in a positive, non-aggressive way.
Display true-blue professionalism
Perhaps an overused term, but it is important to conduct yourself in a highly professional manner. Do what you do well, always follow through, do what you say you will and don't let your colleagues and contacts down. People have extremely long and vivid memories, so don't make promises you can't keep.
Sow without a view to reap
When it comes to offering information, or giving advice and support, do it freely and with no strings attached. Not everyone for whom you do a favour will necessarily do one in return. But over time, you will accumulate a critical mass of goodwill that will come back to you.
Get noticed for the right reasons
Competence, confidence, credibility and trust not only build a successful career, but also a good reputation and a positive political environment for yourself. Incompetence undermines your credibility on every front and brings into doubt any idea or suggestion you present, regardless of how good or effective they are. Don't stumble around blindly trying to "learn from your mistakes". Go back to school, attend a training course, read.
Avoid career limiting moves
Avoid actions or behaviour that can make you look incompetent, foolish, immature or all three. The worst kind are those of personal grief, embarrassment or which discredit people whom you report to or who can influence your career. Some boo-boos are impersonating the boss or talking about them in derogatory terms, associating with troublemakers, getting angry and expressing your emotions by taking it out on co-workers and burning bridges.
Know thy enemy
People who practise negative politics are motivated by self-interest and only do the deed quietly. However dirty it gets, never allow the politics of a situation to distract you. The best defence is always having an established reputation and ensuring the support of those who matter. For example, to avoid an onslaught during a major presentation, consider all the players involved, identify pockets of resistance and endeavour to win these people over incdluding the potential attacker.
Extracted from Simply Her February 2005 Issue.
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