Managing Office Politics

1 Day
8 Modules

Managing Office Politics

OVERVIEW

Getting What You Want Without "Playing Dirty"

What do you think of when you hear the words "office politics"? Is it all about "backstabbing," spreading malicious rumours, and "sucking up" to the right people? If so, you'll likely want to stay as far away from it as you can! But, like it or loathe it, office politics are a fact of life in any organization. And it is possible to promote yourself and your cause without compromising your values or those of your organization.

Practicing "good" politics enables you to further your and your team's interests fairly and appropriately. And, being alert to the "bad" politics around you helps to avoid needless suffering while others take advantage.

In this article, we examine why workplace politics exist, and look at seven ways to "win" at office politics without sinking to the lowest standards of behaviour.

LEARNING OUTCOME

Upon completing this course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of effective people management in the workplace. They will acquire the skills and awareness needed to avoid toxic workplace dynamics, fostering a healthier and more productive professional environment. This course empowers individuals to create a positive and harmonious work atmosphere.

LEARNING METHODOLOGIES

This course incorporates interactive sessions, real-world case studies, social experiments, and character management techniques. Participants engage in discussions and practical exercises, applying their knowledge to resolve complex scenarios, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and interpersonal skills. This approach cultivates a holistic understanding of human behaviour and effective character management in diverse contexts.

Module 1: How Political Is Your Workplace?

All workplaces are political to some extent, simply because people bring their personal emotions, needs, ambitions, and insecurities into their professional lives.
We all want to be successful, but we don't always agree with one another about what this means or how we should achieve it. Office politics arise when these differences of personality and opinion become difficult to manage.
We often care deeply about the decisions that we make, or that others make about us, so we seek to influence people's choices. We can be straightforward or underhand about this.

Module 2: Seven Survival Tips for Office Politics

The foundation for making politics work for you in a positive way is to accept it as a reality. It may change over time, as people come and go in your organization, but, chances are, it will never disappear entirely.
Then, you need to develop strategies to recognize and understand political behaviour and to build a strong and supportive network.

Module 3: Analyze the Organization Chart

Office politics often circumvent the formal organizational structure. So, sit back and observe for a while, and then map the political power and influence in your organization, rather than people's rank or job title.
To do this, ask yourself questions like, "Who are the real influencers?" "Who has authority but tends not to exercise it?," "Who is respected?," "Who champions or mentors others?," and "Who is the brains behind the business?"

Module 4: Understand the Informal Network

Once you know where the power and influence lie, it's time to examine people's interactions and relationships to understand informal or social networks. Watch closely (but discreetly and respectfully) to find out who gets along with who, and who finds it more difficult to interact with others. Look for in-groups, out-groups or cliques.

Module 5: Develop Your "People Skills"

As we've seen, politics are all about people, so strong Interpersonal Skills will stand you in good stead when it comes to building and maintaining your network.
Reflect on your emotions, what prompts them, and how you handle them. If you can learn to self-regulate, you'll be able to think before you act. This kind of emotional intelligence helps you to pick up on other people's emotions, too, and to understand what kind of approach they like or dislike.

Module 6: Make the Most of Your Network

Through your relationships, you can build your personal brand and raise your team's profile. When you communicate your achievements to your connections, they might open opportunities to "shine" for you, your team, and your boss. They can also act as a "bridge" between you and other colleagues.

Module 7: Be Brave – but Not Naive

Your first instinct may be to keep your distance from people who practice "bad" politics. In fact, the opposite can be more effective. The expression, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," often applies to office politics.
So, get to know the gossips and manipulators better. Be courteous but guarded, as they may repeat what you say with a negative "spin." Try to understand their goals, so that you can avoid or counter the impact of their negative politicking. And be aware that some people behave badly because they feel insecure – this is a form of self-sabotage.

Module 8: Neutralize Negative Politics

You can help to make a workplace become more positive by not "fueling the fire" and joining in negative politics. For example, avoid passing on rumours without taking time to carefully consider their source, credibility, and impact. And don't rely on confidentiality. It's safer to assume that whatever you say will be repeated, so choose carefully what "secrets" you reveal.
Always remain professional, and don't take sides, or get sucked into arguments or recriminations. When a conflict arises, remember that there doesn't have to be a winner and a loser. It's often possible to find a solution that satisfies everyone.