Navigating Office Politics with DISCernment!

What sentiments do the words Office Politics invoke in you?

For many, Office Politics conjures up plotting, scheming, mistrust, factions, and silos.

However, Office Politics need not evoke only negative thoughts. Technically, office politics is the informal power dynamics at play within your workplace. It is about navigating relationships, managing influence, and understanding how decisions are really made. Essentially, it is about the forces at play in the organization.

Office Politics can involve things like:

1. Building alliances with colleagues

2. Understanding who has power and how to influence them

3. Navigating gossip and rumors

4. Promoting your ideas and accomplishments strategically

5. Fast-tracking your career.

This Success with People Newsletter equips you with the tools to navigate Office Politics with our DISCerning Model of Communication and Leadership.

We explore practical strategies, share a research study, and showcase how the DISCerning Model can empower you to build positive relationships and navigate the complexities of Office Politics.

The DISCerning Model of Communication & Leadership

The DISCerning Model classifies communication styles into four main groups:

Dominance (D-Style): Direct, assertive, and results-oriented. They value efficiency and getting things done.

Influence (I-Style): Enthusiastic, optimistic, and relationship-focused. They excel at building rapport and inspiring others.

Steadiness (S-Style): Reliable, detail-oriented, and process-driven. They value stability and accuracy.

Conscientiousness (C-Style): Analytical, reserved, and data-driven. They value precision and a well-reasoned approach.

By understanding your own behavioral style and those of your colleagues, you can adapt your communication to foster collaboration and navigate tricky situations.

D-Style Attitude Toward Office Politics

The goal is to WIN.

Office Politics is like a game that is to be won.

Winners get to “call the shots”, control the resources and shape the vision and objectives.

Why would I not want to win?

D-Style Pitfalls

D-Style individuals value getting things done quickly and may be impatient with colleagues who slow them down.

Individuals with a preference for the D-Style can come across as domineering or aggressive, alienating colleagues who prefer a more collaborative approach. They may overlook details or perspectives that differ from their own or stall progress.

DISCerning Communication D-Style Course Correction

1. Be mindful of your tone: Present your ideas clearly and confidently but avoid being overly assertive.

2. Acknowledge others' contributions: Recognize the value that others bring to the table.

3. Be open to feedback: Consider different viewpoints before making decisions.

I-Style Attitude Toward Office Politics

The secret is CONNECTIONS.

With the right connections, it is amazing what can be achieved!

The bonus is that building relationships is fun and the experiences are to be valued, just for themselves!

I-Style individuals excel at building rapport and advocating for themselves and others.

I-Style Pitfalls

Individuals with a preference for the I-Style may appear to miss the gravity of certain situations. This may cause leadership personnel to question their seriousness and negatively impact their career advancement.

They may overestimate their capacity to sell ideas and underestimate the complexity of given situations.

?DISCerning Communication I-Style Course Correction

1. Deliver and ensure that it is noted: Perform in the areas that your leaders consider important.

2. Manage your outgoing inclinations: Learn when to tone down the fun.

3. Channel your creativity: Show practical application of your creative instincts.

S-Style Attitude Toward Office Politics

Why does politics have to be so divisive?

We might not agree on everything, but we should respect each other’s views and work toward arriving at a consensus.

When we shut down others and throw out their ideas and concerns, what are we saying about them?

We need to reflect on the fact that we are supposed to be working toward the same goals and when we denigrate others by our words and actions, they negatively impact unity and impede our progress.

Can we all just get along?

S-Style Pitfalls

Individuals with a preference for the S-Style can be “politically na?ve” and fail to be proactively engaged in influencing decisions and shaping the vision. Taking a back seat and waiting to be led, is not always a formula for successful career growth.

DISCerning Communication S-Style Course Correction

1. Let your voice be heard: Speak up when it matters. Share your ideas.
2. Be alert: Observe the prevailing dynamics and take a stand for your values.
3. Be flexible: We are in a fast-paced environment. Adaptability is an asset!

C-Style Attitude Toward Office Politics

You have to be strategic! Carefully calibrate every decision!

Wrong moves can be hard to correct and may come back to harm you in the long run. Consequently, be very careful about what you say and do.

Critically, never underestimate the value of information!

Observe, monitor, document!

C-Style Pitfalls

Individuals with a preference for the C-Style come across as wanting to protect their privacy and to be unwilling to develop close relationships in the workplace.

This might negatively impact team dynamics and even keep them on the periphery of group activities.

DISCerning Communication C-Style Course Correction

1. Be more open: Professionalism demands a higher level of openness.

2. Actively engage: Networking is an essential competence today.

3. Be more trusting: Trust is the glue that holds the team together.

Case Studies in Office Politics: Putting DISCernment into Action - Scenario 1

A C-Style Manager has a well-researched idea for improving a process. However, her D-Style Manager seems dismissive of her suggestions without giving her a fair hearing.

Approaches Using the DISCerning Communication Model

1. Raise Your D: Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your manager. Briefly present your idea, highlighting the bottom-line benefits and projected cost savings. Use clear, concise language and focus on what would constitute winning for your manager.

2. Raise Your I & S: Before your meeting, sell your idea to colleagues who know your manager. Get their feedback and see if there is an angle that might resonate with his priorities. Get their OK to share that there is support for your idea.

Case Studies in Office Politics: Putting DISCernment into Action - Scenario 2

Carmen is spreading negativity about a project you are leading. Carmen has a preference for the C-Style and is not convinced about the viability of your project.

Approaches Using the DISCerning Communication Model

1. Focus on C-Style Thinking: Schedule a private conversation with Carmen. Acknowledge her concerns and ask clarifying questions to understand her perspective. Present your carefully crafted data to address her worries and demonstrate the project's value.

2. D-Style response [Highly dangerous – only to be cautiously used in the break-the-glass situations:] Meet with Carmen?and call her out. Let her know that you are aware of the negative vibes that she has been sharing and invite her to clarify her position.

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Trevor E S Smith

Success with People Academy - INFOSERV Group

We deploy our DISCerning Model of Communication and Leadership to promote personal, team, and organizational growth. The process is supported by granular Behavioral DNA assessments from Extended DISC??on the revolutionary FinxS??Platform. Talk to us about Team Dynamics and Performance.

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