How To - Win at Office Politics I started out my career wishing that Office Politics didn’t exist because I was so bad at playing the game. In the workplace, almost everyone competes for things: opportunities, money, customers, resources, and promotions, face time with colleagues, prestige, recognition, advancement, and power. Because so many people plot and scheme, it illustrates the truth about politicking - it works. So getting better at office politics is critical to survival and success.

TYPES

When it comes to the political game, people can be divided into three types:

The Idealist - focused on work. They don't like politics, work hard, follow the rules, try to do what is “fair” and “right”, and feel frustrated when decisions made are not “fair” or “right”. They end up sounding like organizational martyrs, griping about how unfair things are.

The Schemer - often arrogant, sometimes a bully and always with a clear focus on what is best for them. They climb over others, manipulate, deceive and exploit people and situations to get the upper hand.

The Pragmatist - respects the rules and gets that the unofficial rules of politics can be more important. They know that decision makers have both personal and professional buttons that need to be pressed.

Politicking describes the act of examining business relationships and learning how to influence others more effectively. It means using informal AND formal channels; and that isn't always a bad thing. Understanding politics and knowing how to exert a little influence can help you pull people together and achieve outcomes that are in the firm's best interest.

DON’T
• Be completely candid with anyone, any time, no matter where, when, or who might be listening
• Focus only on your needs, goals, and objectives
• Believe good work trumps alliances and relationships
• Blow your own horn
• Use people and steal ideas

DO
• Be aware of the pecking order, the organizational chart, friendships and alliances
• Pay your dues
• Align with people who are successful
• Identify the sharks and develop a survival strategy
• Know what the goals are of others and support their efforts
• Make people aware of your accomplishments and give credit to others
• Be aware of (and prepare for) the consequences of your actions

Office politics is a lot like the national political scene. You can play the game, learn to play it well, or get left behind. It's completely up to you.  9:51 AM •