winning office politics - roby vincent

Winning Office Politics By

Arise Roby

ARISE TRAINING & RESEARCH CENTER

Topics Politics are real and unavoidable How political are you About political types How to size up the political climate Winning strategies Rising above it all 7 Habits of Politically Savvy People


Politics are Real and Unavoidable Not all politics are badRealize that this is realityExpect politics in all situationsPolitics are part of human interaction


What is Office Politics? Communicating indirectly Using covert tactics to advance Controlling other people

through psychological manipulation Being cautions about telling the

truth Hiding vulnerability Currying favor

ORGANIZATIONAL POLITICS

“Involves intentional acts of Influence to enhance or protect The self interest of individuals

Or groups”


What Creates Office Politics Scarcity of resources A too competitive work

environment Subjective performance

standards Unclear job definitions Emotional insecurity


How Political Are You Answer the question with

your first impression Think most of the time

when answering

You can also use these questions to help identify people in your office.


About Political Types Corporate Shark Climber Survivor Straight Arrow Lamb for Slaughter


Corporate Shark Score of 90 plus Tends to use others to

enhance career Power-hungry, ruthless,

and devious


Example: Looking Good Pete is a supervisor who is ambitious to a

fault. Everything he does is for effect. One of his ground rules is that only positive information makes its way from him to his boss. Negative news is totally ignored. He makes it clear that anyone in his group who says bad things about him or the organization risks getting fired. If an employee openly disagrees, he or she is labeled a non-supporter. Everyone who reports to Pete agrees the best practice is to fall into line and be a “yes personARISE TRAINING & RESEARCH CENTER

Climber Score of 75 to 89 Shrewd politician A moderate score (75-85)

suggests you might have a good chance of success

Politics are everything - let’s campaign


Example: Power by Association Mike is a young marketing manager. He

sees work as a game and compulsively seeks to be a winner. He gets turned on by challenging, competitive activities where he can prove himself. He hates being pushed around. His goal is to become more powerful because power means freedom. To expand his influence and to increase his chances of advancement, he is developing very strong relationships with major customers who can make demands on his companyARISE TRAINING & RESEARCH CENTER

Survivor Score of 50-75 Practices some office

politics and is aware of the political climate

Ok, what do I have to do to survive


Example: The Copywriters’ CliqueWhen Kate became a copywriter for a

newspaper in a large city, she was invited to join her group for lunch her first day on the job. She discovered the group met informally once a week to gossip, to exchange inside tips, and to get to know one another better. Kate quickly learned the value of trading information at these events. The message was clear: lunch was political. A final note: It’s important to remember that to be human is to be political. Whenever people’s priorities, values, and interests diverge, some type of politicking usually takes place.


Straight Arrow Score of 35-49 Not perceived as office

politician May neglect cultivating key

people for career advancement

Honesty is the best policy


Lamb for Slaughter Score of less than 35 Doesn’t believe in office

politics Commonly boasts of never

practicing office politics Easily eaten by sharks


Sizing up the Climate Who’s related to who About my boss

Irritations Enemies Personal facts Politics practiced

Identify the true power and players Look below - motivations What are favored behaviors and

status symbolsARISE TRAINING & RESEARCH CENTER

What’s Your Corporate Climate Answer the question with

your first impression Think most of the time

when answering


Winning Strategies Help your boss succeed Be loyal, avoid disloyalty Praise your boss to upper

management Imitate your boss’ slogans Present options Be visible Teach your boss a skill Be different - not part of whining

masses ARISE TRAINING & RESEARCH CENTER

Rising Above it All Shine at meetings Compliment influential people Talk big, outside the box Appear cool under pressure Display good corporate manners Learn new skills and sell them Be a team player


7 Habits of Politically Savvy People1.Politics are part of human

interaction - you can set the tone by: Not participating in

gossip Telling the truth Checking out praises and

criticismARISE TRAINING & RESEARCH CENTER

7 Habits of Politically Savvy People2.Help design/define clear job

roles and compatible teams.

3. Expose dirty tricks used by the sharks.

4. Don’t allow anyone to “get” something on you that can be used later.


7 Habits of Politically Savvy People5. Make emotional deposits

with the people you work with.

6. Be known as a producer and not a politician.

7. Lift others up with you and forgive failures.


Review Politics are unavoidable How political are you What’s your corporate climate How to rise above it all 7 Habits of Politically Savvy People


winning office politics - roby vincent

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