Don’t Shake It Up

Understand Office Politics

Presented by

Dr. Phil WeastSCC Dean of Student Services

Developed by

Chuck ReeceDirector of Human Resources and Facility Development

“Office Politics” – What is it?

It is simply how power gets worked out on a practical, day-to-day basis among co-workers.

It can be either positive or negative.

“Office Politics” – What is it? It is the use of one's individual or

assigned power within an employing organization for the purpose of obtaining advantages beyond one's legitimate authority.

Those advantages may include access to tangible assets, or intangible benefits such as status or pseudo-authority that influences the behavior of others.

Both individuals and groups may engage in Office Politics.

Should you play?

Some experts argue that you can’t avoid the game of office politics.

Some say it is crucial to career success.

Many say that it causes stress.

Is this just Office Gossip?

Office politics has the objective of gaining an advantage.

Office gossip is a social activity.

Both activities are highly related to each other.

Examples of Office Politics “Sucking up”/”Brown-nosing” Being the “Yes” person Being the office cynic Giving someone a piece of your mind An e-mail war (and CC everyone!) Sleeping with the Boss or coworker Stealing credit Gossiping coworkers Abusive Managers

More Examples….. Favoritism Nepotism Lazy and annoying coworkers Betrayal Sex in the office False resumes White lies Sneaky tricks and much, much more.

Case Study

Read the case studies Twisted Tornado – link to it Under the Bus – link to it Kissing “Butt” – link to it

2 tasks: Identify the issue(s) involved Determine the action(s) you would

take

Case Study - Twisted Tornado

Case Study - Twisted Tornado

Ways to Deal with this Situation Accept the fact that bad people do get

promoted. Understand that you are at risk by

voicing your displeasure in public. Be mindful of your focus – do your best

work and remain professional always. Emulate parts of her behavior – Network!

Case Study – Under the Bus

Haloed Coworker Throws Others Under the Bus

Case Study – Under the BusWays to Deal with this Situation

Stay calm and fact-based.

Take it one step at a time in your attempts to deal with her. Marathon vs. sprint

Make attempts to include her - often!

Sit down with her with the purpose of calmly discussing an observation or giving feedback from a non-threatening position.

More Under the Bus… Consider that she basically means well.

With this approach, you are likely to come from a place of offering help rather than getting provoked into an angry response.

When all else fails, lay low, stay out of the line of fire and document behavior.

Case Study – Kissing “Butt”

Is it necessary to succeed?

Case Study – Kissing “Butt”

Ways to Deal with this Situation This is an opportunity for growth. You’re undervaluing yourself. Coworker is good at networking - You

have to get better! Being friendly with the Boss is not

‘kissing butt’ – try being nice. Research other job opportunities or

apply for the supervisor job yourself.

How to Win at Office Politics

What you will need… $$ - Money every few weeks for the

occasional lunch with a colleague to build and maintain relationships.

Time - An hour a week for coffee breaks, lunches, and impromptu chats in the hallway — time for you to offer help, ask for it, or socialize with people whose relationships you value.

What you will need - continues

Tools Game Plan: Know what you want to accomplish

so you can tie the work you do - and the alliances you forge - to those goals.

Allies: Find the people who will listen and support you. Remember: those with the power to help you may be peers or support staff.

Chits: Before you can ask your allies for favors, you first need to give them genuine support. What can you offer that will have real value to them?

Thick Skin: People may try to block your goals to advance their own. Don't take it personally. They're not out to get you - just to save themselves.

Observe your Company Culture

Who gets listened to?

Who has influence in decisions?

What is rewarded?

What is punished?

Office politics – good outcomes?

Achieve worthwhile goals Gain support for a needed change Bring an idea to fruition Have a successful and rewarding career

Understand Office Politics

Questions?

Thank You!