How to Slay the Office Politics Dragon: A Leader's Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Collaboration
Welcome back to another Cup of Jo edition, today we plunge headfirst into the tangled web of corporate culture. But, we're not just exploring office dynamics – we're spotlighting the covert culprits of productivity sinkholes and the usurper of innovation: corporate (office) politics.
PS: I use corporate and office as interchangeable terms – since we know that politics is not exclusive to huge corporates but takes place in every organisation no matter the size or industry.
Unmasking the Saboteur: The Toxic Effects of Corporate Politics
As I did some research on this topic and linked it back to some of my own personal experience over the past 20 years, some consistent trends began to emerge that shines a light on the pervasive and sinister effects of office politics. Picture this: colleagues huddled in corners, forming alliances not based on solidarity but on a strategic path to personal glory. Backstabbing and gossip becoming the wallpaper of cubicles, masking true potential under a veneer of deception.
A scenario that is more pervasive than the desired ideological utopian culture of trust, mutual respect, integrity and camaraderie.
In order to tackle this saboteur, you’ll have to be brave. The first step is to be honest about it, acknowledge that it exists. Concede that you probably had some kind of role in cultivating it. So embrace the same wisdom used by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that starts the journey to recovery - the first step of acknowledgement:
"We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable."
While this step is specific to addressing alcohol addiction, the underlying principle of acknowledging powerlessness and recognising a problem can be applied to addressing corporate politics within your organisation.
In the context of this article, a similar step that you as leaders might take is declaring the following:
"We admit that a culture of corporate politics exists within our organisation, and it is negatively impacting our workplace."
It’s a critical first step because, like addiction, addressing office politics requires awareness and acceptance of the issue before taking meaningful action to address it.
Once you acknowledge the problem, you can then move on to the subsequent steps, such as fostering open communication, nurturing trust, and actively working to eliminate toxic political behaviours. The key is to start with recognition and awareness before implementing strategies to combat office politics effectively.
Here's a slice of reality, peppered with my own adventures in the corporate jungle. Ever met a department head who saw your potential as a threat? I, too, have had a front-row seat to the sabotage show. But don't worry, I came out of it with wisdom, rich insights into how to be a better leader, clarity on my personal mission, a more rewarding career trajectory… and to top it all off -?this article in my arsenal.
The Leadership Gauntlet: Shaping Culture Amidst Chaos
Leaders, here's a truth bomb: you're the culture shapers. Your moves, attitudes, and even coffee preferences send ripples through the organisation. And if you didn’t know this, the more senior you are (speaking to the Directors and C-Suite leaders specifically here), the bigger the ripple and (under)currents – no matter how innocuous or “innocent” your intentions or actions (everything from strategic decisions to your management style, your mood swings, tone of voice, body language and even facial expressions) might be, they have a substantial impact on your subordinates and the larger organisation. The big question is:
“Are you sparking innovation and growth or dousing it with politics?”
Consider what sage and leadership expert Simon Sinek discussed in his landmark Ted Talk, “How great leaders inspire action”, about this topic:
"When people are pursuing something bigger than themselves, politics will naturally disappear."
Brilliant in its simplicity, right? He believes that when people are working towards a common goal or purpose that is greater than their individual interests, they are more likely to put aside their personal agendas and work together for the greater good. This can help to reduce the negative impact of office politics and create a more collaborative and productive work environment.
So, are you nurturing a vision that eclipses the desire for power plays? Because you should be.
Opening the Trapdoor: Promoting Transparency
Let's cut to the chase – open communication, understanding and effective listening is the nectar that neutralises the poison of corporate politics. Those are your “secret ingredients” for a healthier organisation culture. It's a no-brainer that leaders should encourage transparent dialogue. And guess what? Transparency can be as infectious as gossip, only with far better consequences.
So, no more hidden agendas!
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I've witnessed this first-hand in one particular workplace how the switch to transparency transformed the atmosphere of a department; I've seen communication blossom like sunflowers in summer, and it was like an antidote to office politics. It's simple: when everyone's talking, backstabbers have to pack up and find a new game. This is within your power to cultivate as a leader – the question is not whether it’s possible, it’s whether you have the will and the moral resolve to make it happen. Some leaders do not, because unfortunately, they entertain the politics in order to maintain control or to advance their own career ambitions. Tragic.
Unearth the Gem: Nurturing a Culture of Trust
Trust – the unsung hero of any organisation. When it's thriving, politics shrink to the size of a pebble in a shoe (annoying but manageable nonetheless) And yes, this does imply that there will always be some level of politics in every organisation - it just depends on how toxic and widespread it is. But when trust is eroded, politics spreads like wildfire.
A real talk moment: the promotions that come from buttering up the boss or playing pawn on someone else's chessboard? Yeah, we've all seen them. But it's the effective leaders who prioritise trust over ego who truly inspire people. And let's face it; wouldn't you rather lead in a trust-rich environment?
Challenge Accepted: Can You Break the Politics Cycle?
You would’ve heard this old adage before “A few bad apples can spoil the bunch”. While it might be old, the sentiment is valid and rings true - it illustrates how the negative actions of a small minority can have a detrimental effect on a larger group. Here are some examples that demonstrate this concept:
Team Dynamics: In a collaborative work environment, most team members may be diligent, motivated, and cooperative. However, if just a few individuals engage in office politics, spread negativity, or undermine colleagues, it can create a toxic atmosphere that diminishes the team's overall productivity and morale.
Organisational Culture: Within a company, the majority of employees may be committed to the organisation's values and goals. Still, if a handful of higher-ups (or key influencers) prioritise personal gain, engage in unethical practices, or foster a culture of favouritism, it can erode the entire corporate culture and lead to disengagement and turnover. And research has shown that the higher the percentage of disengaged employees within an organisation, the more likely it is that the organisation will not achieve its objectives (and the less competitive it will be in the market).
Social Groups: In society, most people adhere to social norms and maintain law-abiding behaviour. Nonetheless, when a small segment of the population engages in criminal activities or disruptive behaviours, it can harm the overall well-being of the community, increase crime rates, and strain resources.
These examples emphasise the importance of addressing and mitigating the negative influence of a few individuals to maintain a positive and productive environment for the majority.
I've seen both ends of the spectrum – the workplaces where politics are a distant whisper, and the ones where it's the conductor of the orchestra. But here's the kicker: it's only a few individuals playing the game. Few, but potent.
Imagine a culture where innovation, collaboration, and trust reign supreme. You have the power to make that a reality. As leadership guru John C. Maxwell wisely puts it: "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."
Here's a challenge for you, leaders – should you choose to accept it:
Can you be the one to lead the way out of the politics labyrinth?
As you embark on this journey to minimise corporate politics within your organisation, consider leveraging these 7 condensed steps inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to guide you:
Remember, like any journey of change, it starts with a single step. You have the power to be the catalyst for a workplace transformation that prioritises unity, collaboration, and innovation over politics.
Eradicating Politics, Nurturing Unity
As we wrap this up, and since we’re heading into Spring in the southern hemisphere, I’ll use a gardening metaphor. Remember, it's not just about weeding out politics; it's about nurturing a garden where teamwork, trust, innovation, and progress bloom. Let's make our workplaces a politics-free zone. Leave politics to the politicians, we’ve seen how their political bickering fails to bring about positive change – don’t allow that to happen in your organisation. It's time for leaders to lead by example, for a culture where politics no longer finds fertile ground.
And guess what? You can be the one who makes it happen.
Let me know what you think? If there's any other leadership topic you'd like me to discuss then feel free to DM me with requests or suggestions for future consideration.
Mundum Mutare.