Negotiating the ‘Political Minefield'

Just about every office has them. The schmoozers, the credit stealers, the do-gooders, the mud-slingers and the back-stabbers. While we generally think we would be better off without them, what would work really be without a little office politics to keep everyone on their toes?

When most people think of office politics they cringe with images of the above-mentioned stereotypes and people often put a lot of effort in to make sure they are not behaving in a way that could be seen as ‘political’ at work. However, office politics get a lot of unfair press.

I’m not suggesting you should become the next George Bush, as many would argue - one is more than enough. But there is such a thing as positive politics, it’s just a case of learning how to negotiate the ‘political minefield’ effectively.

What we don’t know can hurt us

Like the iceberg that sunk the Titanic, it’s not often what we can see that’s the problem, it’s what’s below the surface that can wreak the most havoc. The best approach is to keep office politics out in the open as much as possible.

While this may seem counter-intuitive to most people’s definition of ‘politics’, trying to keep your intentions underground and going behind peoples backs will just open you up to being labelled as an untrustworthy schemer and politics may turn against you in the form of gossiping and backstabbing. Engage in ‘positive politics’ in a highly visible way, such as working late to help out a colleague on a deadline, sending a special thank-you email to a colleague that gave you some useful advice or support, or eliciting one of managers or supervisors as a mentor.

Don’t get caught up in ‘negative politics’ such as backstabbing, complaining about your boss, or making other people look bad in order for you to look good.

Increasing your PQ

First there was IQ, then there was ‘EQ’, now PQ (‘Political Intelligence’) is becoming a legitimate competency actively sought by employers. Organisations are even beginning to introduce training programs aimed at increasing PQ within their employees. PQ is largely a combination of various social competencies, including social confidence, interpersonal skills and perceptiveness, negotiation and communication skills, behavioural adaptability and diplomacy.

While some people seem to be born with political intelligence, for others it’s a skill they have to learn. Working to increase all of the above social competencies should enable you to become more ‘politically intelligent’ in the workplace. Watch those who seem to be able to ride the wave of office politics and work the system, identifying effective behaviours that you can mirror.

Form alliances

Reality series ‘Survivor’ brought alliances into the spotlight – but for all the wrong reasons. It provides a solid example of what NOT to do with alliances. Finding some common ground with others and developing solid relationships with workmates based upon mutual trust and respect will mean that someone should have your back guarded if others are trying to stab you in it.

While it is important to have allies, try to avoid becoming part of a ‘clique’ as you may shut yourself out from other ‘cliques’ that could also work in your favour. Relying on one ally may result in a ‘Survivor’ situation if you are both competing for the same prize in the end. Be part of multiple networks rather than just one.

It’s better to be in the loop than outside it, but try to do more listening than talking. The ‘grapevine’ in an organisation is littered with rumours and hearsay but it is also a key mode of communication throughout the organisational hierarchy. Tune into ‘Office Politics FM’ for the latest updates and inside info.

Be visible - Play the game

While people often want to steer clear of office politics and keep a low political profile, this often does not do them any favours. A low political profile often translates to a low career profile within the company.

Though it seems unfair that those who work away quietly and consistently often get overlooked for promotion or pay rises in favour of those whose efforts are more intermittent but who practically use a megaphone to advise everyone of what they have accomplished - Cest la vie. How can you really expect to be promoted on your efforts if no-one knows what you’ve been working on? Try sending your boss a weekly update ‘for his/her information’ on where you are at with certain projects or clients.

Like the old saying goes “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!”

For more information about Career Analysts careerMAKEOVER coaching programmes contact anne@careeranalysts.co.nz, or phone (09) 356 9758. For a D.I.Y CareerMakover, try our online career assessment centre at www.careeranalysts.co.nz !!! (Through the ‘Career Centre’ link on our homepage)