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Win at Office Politics
Ever notice how some
mediocre employees rise while more competent ones languish? Often,
it’s because they know how to play office politics.
I know, I know. You’d like
to think you can succeed purely on your merits. In some offices you
can, but in many others, you must know how to play the game. Here’s
how to win at office politics — without selling your soul.
Positive Politics
In office politics, as in
most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Once a
coworker or boss is out to get you, it’s hard to avoid being stabbed
in the back. Play positive politics, though, and your coworkers and
bosses will probably turn any stabbing instincts elsewhere. Here are a
few of my favorite positive politics strategies:
* Ask respected higher-ups
for counsel periodically. Encourage them to think of you as a protégé,
and they’re more likely to defend you when you need it.
* Do deliberate acts of kindness. Stay late one night to help a
coworker on a deadline. Send a handwritten thank-you note to the
person who gave you that word tip. Or, try my favorite office politics
weapon: Bring in home-baked cookies to share.
* Do visible, important tasks. If such tasks aren’t in your job
description, ask if you can take one on. Be sure everyone knows you
did the work. For example, you might email key employees a draft of
your project’s final report, “for feedback,” ensuring your boss or
rival doesn’t try to steal the credit.
Keep Your Antennae Out
Sometimes, despite playing
positive politics, someone will want you to look bad — if only because
he wants that promotion you’re vying for. You can’t respond to his
machinations unless you know who the perpetrator is. Here are a few
ways to find out:
* Are you being kept out of the information loop? Who’s behind that?
* Are you lacking the resources you need to do your job? Who’s behind
that?
* At meetings, does someone always seem to disagree with you, if not
verbally, by sighing, rolling his eyes or appearing not to pay
attention when you’re speaking?
* When you ask someone for support or advice, do you get the sense
he’s annoyed?
* When you talk one-on-one with your suspected saboteur, does he
always seem eager to cut the conversation short?
When You Feel You’re Losing the Game
You have the sense that
someone’s sabotaging you. Now what? Hopefully, by having kept your
antennae out, you know who that person is. Here are some strategies
for foiling him:
1. Get feedback from a
supporter. Say something like, “I’m concerned Matt is annoyed with me.
Have you noticed that? Anything you think I should do?”
2. Respond with strength. If your saboteur tries to put you down,
especially in front of others, don’t wimp out. Make a strong response,
perhaps using humor. For example, you’re proposing a solution to a
problem at a meeting. Throughout your presentation, Joe is slouching,
doodling and rolling his eyes. You might say something like, “Joe, it
looks like my idea is putting you to sleep. Either you went to quite a
party last night, or you have a better solution. Care to share it?”
3. Privately confront the back stabber. For example, “I’ve noticed
that you seem annoyed with me. Is there anything I’m doing wrong?” If
you get useful feedback, fine. Thank him and offer to work on
improving. If, however, you sense that his reason for annoyance is
unjustified, you need to be strong. For example, you might say, “Matt,
you’re withholding key information from me. Things need to change, or
I’ll have to go to the boss.”
4. Inoculate. Tell others you’re concerned this person is unfairly
trying to denigrate you for selfish gain. Point to specific evidence
of unfairness, or you may be perceived as the back stabber.
Chances are, though, if you play positive politics, you’ll never have
to go into attack mode. Your version of office politics may rarely get
meaner than bringing brownies.
TEN RULES FOR EFFECTIVE OFFICE POLITICS
Treat everybody with respect and do not underestimate anybody
Support your boss sincerely and professionally
Be willing to work overtime
Remember the names of the people you come in touch with
Be appreciative of the help that you get from your coworkers
Volunteer for company committees and charity drives
Do not date any coworkers
Attend company picnics and social gatherings
Watch your personal hygiene
(body odor, bad breath,...)
Do not badmouth or gossip
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