Don’t Shake It Up
Understand Office Politics
Presented by
Developed by
Dr. Phil Weast
SCC Dean of Student Services
Chuck Reece
Director 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
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“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…..
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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 Bus
Ways 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?
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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!