Management skills necessary to contend with office politics

Q: Lately I feel that I’m encountering verbal attacks by some people in my office. No matter what I say, they twist it, and then they use the twisted meaning as a weapon against me. It makes going into work hell. I can’t quit my job, as I need the money. I know people play these games to get ahead of the other guy, but what am I to do?
A: Office politics are probably responsible for ruining more careers than poor performance, and are an inescapable feature of office life. Ability, performance and self-belief are not enough in the modern workplace. Whether it is to get the resources you need, keep a valued team member or further your position, to win the war of work, you also need to be politically aware, and know when to bring your personal power base into play.
In a 2002 study, “Politics in Organizations,” published by Roffey Park, interviewees collectively described the practice of office politics as something that “involves influencing other people”, and as “an interplay of forces”. More precisely, this could range from passing off someone else’s work as your own, to mounting a dirty-tricks campaign to force someone you don’t like out of a job. Generally, politicking is viewed as covert, or manipulative, but positive office politics can be put to use by the most well rounded, team-playing individuals.
For the short term you must learn how to play the game. Start by knowing your own goals and what you are willing to compromise to achieve a more favorable outcome in the longer term.
A definite requirement is a power base and support network, along with effective communication channels. You need to build your network by identifying those people who can help you, and who have political clout themselves within the organization. If you do good work, you will want to get the credit for it, and it is far easier to get such recognition if you are known by the “right” people.
Many of the skills needed to become a good office politician are the same as those needed to succeed as a manager: problem-solving, negotiating, bargaining and delegating.
Additionally, you need to understand relationships, be a keen listener and able to read between the lines. Even if you never considered yourself to be political, these skills can be acquired through observation and experience, or even on a formal management course.
Make a point of not criticizing or complaining about your colleagues. Never take anything at face value or listen to gossip, especially when you suspect there may be a hidden agenda. Don’t try and psych them out, and don’t be drawn into discussions on anything without being fully aware of all the facts.
While the skills can be learned, there are people who are more successful at office politics than others. Studies show that those with a high emotional intelligence quotient are likely to be more politically aware in the office. The best office politicians are good listeners, and are able to empathize with people, and show genuine interest in them. They are also sensitive to situations and circumstances, and can read between the lines – what isn’t said is often more important than what is.
One important skill you need to handle scheming colleagues is a heightened ability to think both strategically and in terms of what is happening behind the scenes in the best interests of the players. This requires problem-solving skills and specialist knowledge about the tactics that may be in play.
Choose your battles strategically – you won’t win them all. At the point of intervention, remain calm and in control. Most negative politics are usually a triumph of self-interest over service, so it is important to find a level playing field in which to negotiate. Then playing it straight and saying it straight is usually the best policy. If you only do five things, do the following:
? Know your own goals and what you’re willing to negotiate.
? Learn through observation and experience.
? Build networks and alliances.
? Never criticize colleagues.
? Work on your emotional intelligence.
Remember, bullies project their inadequacies, shortcomings, and behaviors on to other people to avoid facing up to their own inadequacies. Learning about oneself can be painful, so these people tend to distract and divert attention away from themselves and their inadequacies by projecting it on to others.
Projection is achieved through blame, criticism and allegation. Once you realize this, every criticism and allegation that the bully makes about their target is actually an admission or revelation about himself or herself. This knowledge can be used to perceive the bully’s own misdemeanors.
Bullies must understand that if false allegations are made, the bully will also be investigated. With that said you must get your manager involved, and get them to follow suit.

Windsor resident Russell Disberger is a founding member of Aspen Business Group, a Northern Colorado-based specialty consulting and venture capital firm. He can be reached by e-mail at rusell@aspenbusinessgroup.com, or at (970) 396-7009.

on Facebook on LinkedIn