A checklist for dealing with people who are playing politics.

Workplace politics is a tactic used by people in order to get what they want and get ahead of others. It is a reality. If you want to be successful in your organisation you need to know how to be politically savvy. Workplace politics is not good or bad, you can work in a blast furnace if you have an asbestos suit this questionnaire could be your asbestos suit.   What is the issue/situation?

• • In the overall scheme of things how important is this to me?
  • What is REALLY going on?
  • Why am I really concerned?
  • What is the worst that could happen?
  • How long has this been going on?

Who is involved?

• • Who will the activity/outcome affect apart from me?
  • Do I fully understand all the people ramifications?
  • What might others reactions be if I do something/nothing?
  • Has anyone else had this problem in the past? Who else do I need to involve?
  • Whose support do I need to get?

What do I know about the other party?

• • Is it me, my position or my boss they are working against?
  • What are they really motivated by?
  • What real evidence do I have?
  • How can I obtain confirmation of my suspicions?
  • What might be driving their behaviour?
  • Is there a hidden agenda?
  • Are they working to their own or the organisation’s objectives?
  • How much support do they have; a lot or only a little?
  • And who?
  • Have they done this to someone else before?
  • Do I like them?

Am I part of the problem?

• • Am I seen as a soft touch or too nice?
  • Is it because I am difficult to deal with?
  • Could it be that my motives or behaviour has been misunderstood?
  • Could it be revenge for something I once did?
  • Have I been associated with someone else who is the real target?
  • Do we communicate effectively?
  • How effective am I at influencing?

What should my strategy be?

• • Am I really sure there is a need to do something?
  • How will I go about it?
  • Is there a sequence to be followed?
  • How soon do I need to start?
  • Should I approach them directly, or work with/through others?
  • Who do I need to alert/get onside/build alliances with?
  • Are there alternative approaches that are less risky?

To learn more about workplace politics, email mike@cfod.com.au or info@cfod.com.au.