Managing Corporate Politics
Shannon Cassidy, Executive Coach, bridge between, Inc.
Navigating corporate politics effectively is the single most important competency you can have next to job proficiency. The best way to manage the political game is to think about how you’re being.
Most people have the formula to success backwards. They think that in order to “have” (promotion, more money, exposure) they first have to “do” (work long hours, agree to help everyone, take the ball and run.) If they “do” and “have” then they will “be” happy, successful, courageous, confident. The formula is in the wrong order. It’s backwards. Your approach must begin with how you’re being. The correct sequential order goes like this: be-do-have. How you’re being at work is the X-factor. It’s the key to playing a good game.
As an Executive Coach, I have the privilege of observing people play the game of corporate politics. The type of game I’m referring to is one where everyone can win. It’s an exciting game that every business plays. You can win if you are mindful of how you’re being.
There are two dozen good-game playing suggestions for how to “be” at work. Here are ten from the top of the list:
- Be optimistic
- Be a creative problem solver
- Be friendly and well liked
- Be neutral on personal issues
- Be a team player
- Be clear about your boundaries
- Be humble
- Be committed
- Be trustworthy
- Be grateful
1. Be optimistic. Attitude is everything. Your perspective on things, your outlook and your attitude are going to affect how others perceive you. Choose an attitude of optimism. Think about how you can do something instead of how you can’t. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you do about it. Choose to embody a positive attitude.
2. Be a creative problem solver. When presented with a challenging situation, first think, “What are some possible solutions?” “What options do we have for fixing it?” When you’re viewed as a problem solver more than someone who gets stuck in problems you create a need for your skill set. No matter what the situation there’s always a solution.
3. Be friendly and well liked. It’s important to build strong interpersonal relationships. Everyone you pass each day deserves a smile and “hello.” People who are kind and considerate to everyone including security personnel, receptionists, parking attendants, employees, co-workers, supervisors and executives are respected. This strategy is essential to winning the game of work and of life.
4. Be neutral on personal issues. Don’t get involved with gossip, rumors or other negativity – especially personal issues. If someone is doing something unethical confront that person directly. Stay neutral, indifferent and uninformed about gossip-type stories. They don’t matter, they distract you from your goal and they harm people.
5. Be a team player. Use language like “we” when describing your successes. When making decisions spend time thinking about how they will affect other people. Focus on how you can influence your team to row in the same direction. If you work together the possibilities are endless. If you work alone possibilities are limited.
6. Be clear about your boundaries. Know your core values. Know what you stand for. When things happen you don’t agree with check in with your values and goals before responding. It’s important to stay true to yourself and know what you will and won’t do. Playing the game includes being flexible. It does not include compromising your values.
7. Be humble. You come into work, you do your job and you do it well. Everyone values being recognized for a job well done. Everyone needs to feel important and needs to matter. How you manage that attention is a key element to playing a good game. Humility is the ability to earn and receive praise and still understand that you have room to grow. Make a contribution without promoting your ego.
8. Be committed. There’s nothing worse than being “on the fence” “in the grey area” or “kinda” working on something. If your leadership growth is important to you – commit to it. If your company and team matter to you – commit to them. Fact is, we are all committed to something. Focus on how you can be a WOW employee and commit to what it will take to get there.
9. Be trustworthy. If someone trusts you with information, responsibility or a commitment – honor it. Have integrity and do what you say you’re going to do. Keep confidential information private. Whenever you’re discussing a situation or person ask yourself, “Am I sharing valuable information that moves everyone forward?” “Does this contribution honor others and have integrity?” Let your intuition be your guide.
10. Be grateful. Give thanks and appreciation to those around you. No one wins the game on their own. From the time you were born until now you have needed other people. We were designed to function in community with one another. Acknowledge those who work with you, help you and support you. People are more receptive when they are appreciated.
Be, do, have. In that order. In the New Year, focus on how you’re being. Think about your game playing strategy. Is it working for you? If not, what do you commit to being? How do you want to be?
If you’re ready to start the year off by playing more effectively than last year, call us at 610-431-2888 or Shannon@bridgebetween.org. We can help you set goals and a plan to achieve them. Playing a good game takes concentrated attention and powerful coaching. We’re available when you need us.
Keep playing!
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