Survival of the Savvy
Rick Brandon Ph.D. and Marty Seldman Ph.D.
17 min
6 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Discover the secrets of navigating office politics ethically and successfully, ensuring both your career and company thrive in any corporate environment.
You'll learn
1. How to play office politics without selling your soul2. Dodging career pitfalls and blind spots3. Keeping it clean while playing the political game4. Boosting your influence at work5. Balancing work goals with personal ambitions6. Navigating and shaping company culture.Key points
01Understanding Organizational Politics: A Tool for Growth
You're in a meeting, and you notice that your colleague, John, is subtly steering the conversation towards his project. He's not being overtly aggressive, but he's definitely making sure his project gets the spotlight. You might think, "Ah, office politics!" and you wouldn't be wrong. But what if we told you that there's more to it than just a power play? Let's talk about 'organizational politics'. It's the invisible web of power dynamics, alliances, conflicts, and key influencers that shape the decisions and actions within a company. It's as inevitable as the Monday morning meetings because wherever there are people, there's politics. Now, we know what you're thinking. "Politics? That's a dirty word!" But authors Rick Brandon and Marty Seldman argue that it doesn't have to be. Think of politics as a river. It can be a destructive force, sweeping away everything in its path. But if you build a dam, you can harness that power to generate electricity. Similarly, politics, when understood and navigated correctly, can be a tool for growth. Understanding the political landscape of your organization is like having a map in a foreign city. It helps you identify who holds the power, who are the key influencers, where the alliances lie, and where conflicts may arise. For instance, let's say you're aware that your boss values team collaboration. You can use this knowledge to highlight how your project encourages teamwork, thereby increasing its chances of getting approved. But understanding is just half the battle. The real art lies in navigating these politics with a combination of high integrity and savvy political skills. High integrity means staying true to your values and principles, while savvy political skills involve the ability to influence others and negotiate effectively. It's like being a skilled sailor who can navigate the stormy seas without compromising his moral compass. Consider the case of Sarah, a mid-level manager. She knew that her department was often overlooked in favor of more 'glamorous' departments. Instead of resorting to underhanded tactics, she used her understanding of the company's politics to rally support for her team. She highlighted their achievements in meetings, collaborated with influential colleagues, and negotiated for more resources. As a result, her department gained visibility, and she earned a promotion. So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of office politics, remember that it's not necessarily a battlefield. It can be a tool for growth, a way to navigate towards success. After all, isn't it better to sail with the current than to constantly swim against it?
02Understanding Political Styles in the Workplace
You're in a meeting, and you notice how your colleagues interact. Some are assertive, pushing their ideas forward with confidence. Others are more reserved, preferring to listen and contribute when they feel it's necessary. These are examples of political styles in action, and understanding them can be a game-changer in your career. Political styles are like the different strategies you might use in a chess game. Each move, each decision, is influenced by your overall approach to the game. In the workplace, your political style is your approach to interactions, decision-making, and problem-solving. It's crucial to understand not only your own style but also the styles of those around you. This understanding can help you navigate the complexities of office politics more effectively. In "Survival of the Savvy," the authors identify three main political styles: assertive, reserved, and analytical. The assertive style is characterized by confidence, directness, and a drive to get things done. The reserved style, on the other hand, is more about listening, observing, and contributing thoughtfully. The analytical style is characterized by a focus on data, logic, and detail-oriented thinking. Each style has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, assertive individuals can drive progress but may come off as aggressive. Reserved individuals contribute valuable insights but may be overlooked. Analytical individuals bring rigor to decision-making but may get bogged down in details. These styles can significantly impact workplace interactions and relationships. For instance, an assertive individual might clash with a reserved colleague, leading to misunderstandings and conflict. On the other hand, an analytical individual might work well with a reserved colleague, as both prefer a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach. The authors suggest several strategies for dealing with different political styles. For an assertive individual, it's important to match their energy and directness. For a reserved individual, it's crucial to create a safe space for them to express their thoughts. For an analytical individual, it's helpful to present data and logical arguments. These strategies can help manage conflicts and build stronger workplace relationships. However, the authors emphasize the importance of using high-integrity tactics. Success in the workplace should not come at the expense of integrity. For example, it's not ethical to manipulate an assertive colleague by playing on their desire to win, or to take advantage of a reserved colleague's reluctance to speak up. In conclusion, understanding political styles in the workplace can help you navigate office politics more effectively. It's not just about knowing your own style, but also understanding the styles of those around you. By using high-integrity tactics, you can manage conflicts, build stronger relationships, and ultimately, achieve career and company success. So, take a moment to reflect on your political style and consider how you can use this understanding to improve your workplace interactions and relationships.
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03Building Political Skills with Integrity: A Practical Guide
04Your guide to navigating organizational politics
05Surviving and Thriving in the Political Arena: A Practical Guide
06Conclusion
About Rick Brandon Ph.D. and Marty Seldman Ph.D.
Rick Brandon Ph.D. and Marty Seldman Ph.D. are renowned corporate consultants and trainers, specializing in organizational psychology. They co-founded Brandon Partners, teaching business politics and organizational savvy. Their expertise lies in enhancing ethical, high-integrity political skills for career and company success.