When the political landscape is driving you crazy!

More and more clients of mine are requesting coaching around navigating the political landscape in their organization. When asked for clarification, the areas of interest include learning how to work with the influencers in the organization, knowing how to provide direct feedback to the CEO or a senior leader and addressing changes in leadership and the focus of the organization when you don’t agree with it.

Change is inevitable. In many cases, so is a political struggle. That includes influence, driving meaningful change and innovating amid conflicting drivers and motivations. The tension you feel is real and not uncommon.In a Harvard Business Review article by Michael Jarrett titled, The 4 Types of Organizational Politics, Jarrett says, “While we would be naive if we didn’t acknowledge politics as a potentially destructive force, when deployed effectively it can help the company meet its strategic goals and live up to its values, especially during organizational change.” 

What can you do to as a leader to manage the political climate?

According to Forbes author, Bonnie Marcus, the answer is that you need to be politically savvy. And the good news is that political savvy is a skill, not a trait. You can learn it and you don’t need to compromise your integrity.

What does it take to be politically savvy? First and foremost, it requires you to pay attention. Understand that your work alone will not get you promoted. You must be aware of what’s going on in your company.

Marcus says you will want to pay attention to three things.

#1 Power and Influence.

Who has power and influence over your career? Who makes the key decisions about your future? Who influences those decisions? Is it your boss? If so, who is in their circle of influence? Who do they turn to for advice?

Power and influence are constantly shifting so make sure you stay tuned into the dynamics in the office. Create visibility with the influencers in your organization. Build a strategic network of allies and champions who advocate for you and support your initiatives and advancement.

#2 Know the Rules.

What are the rules, and most importantly, what are the unwritten rules?

An example of an unwritten rule is the employee handbook states that it’s a 40-hour work week. First day on the job, you arrive at 9 am only to find that everyone else in your department has been there working since 7:30 am. What happened? There’s an unwritten rule that you need to be there 90 minutes before the boss arrives and stay an hour after he/she leaves. It’s not official policy, but what happens if you don’t comply? Will you get promoted?

What rules are sacred? What does it take to get ahead in your company, in your department? What type of behavior is rewarded? What behavior is not rewarded, especially for an ambitious woman? Is it acceptable to be assertive and speak your opinion in meetings? Pay attention. This information is invaluable for you to position yourself successfully for a promotion.

#3 Know the Culture.

What is the culture at your company?

Is the culture conservative, innovative, hierarchical?

Is the company aligned with your values? And most importantly, will you have the opportunity to showcase your talent in this environment? Do you have the potential to thrive at this company or are the cards stacked against you?

It’s critical to pay attention to your productivity, your level of influence and your leadership presence. Don’t assume that your work alone will get you promoted. Do the best job you can. Build relationships with key stakeholders and look out for potential landmines. That’s political savvy!

Where can you begin?

Start with an open and honest dialogue with your boss or colleagues. Explore your own ability to influence, your biases and potential blind spots. Being aware and curious is a great place to start.

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Looking for more ways to positively impact your leadership results? Contact me directly at [email protected] for a strategy consultation. 

Judy Zimmer is a personal branding coach, national speaker and creator of the signature course, The Leadership Presence Solution: Build Presence, Gain Confidence and Create More Credibility in 30 days! She helps clients know, grow and maximize their brand. You can learn more at her website.

Follow Judy at Coachology.us, Twitter and her Facebook Group Page.