Managing Corporate Politics
By Shannon Cassidy, Executive Coach, bridge between, inc.

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Navigating corporate politics effectively is the single most important competency you
can have alongside job proficiency. The best way to manage the political game is to
think about how you’re being.

Most people have the formula to success backwards. They think that in order to
“have” (promotion, more money, exposure) they first have to “do” (work long hours,
agree to help everyone, take the ball and run.) If they “do” and “have” then they
will “be” happy; successful; courageous; confident. The formula has an order error.
It’s backwards. Your approach must begin with how you’re being. How you’re
being at work is the X-factor. It’s the key to playing a good game. The sequential
order goes be-do-have.

As an Executive Coach, I have the privilege of observing people play the game of
corporate politics. I mean “game” in the very best sense of the word. It’s the type
of game where everyone can win. You can win if you are mindful of how you’re
being.

From my observations, here are ten suggestions for how to “be” at work.

1. Be optimistic
2. Be a creative problem solver
3. Be friendly and well liked
4. Be neutral on personal issues
5. Be a team player
6. Be clear about your boundaries
7. Be humble
8. Be committed
9. Be trustworthy
10. Be grateful


1. Be optimistic. Attitude is everything. Your perspective on things, your outlook
and your attitude are going to affect how other people perceive you. Choose an
attitude of optimism. Think about how you can do something instead of how you
can’t. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you do about it.

2. Be a creative problem solver. When presented with a challenging situation,
think first, “What are some possible solutions?” “What options do we have for fixing
it?” When you’re viewed as a problem solver more than someone who gets stuck in
problems you create a need for your skill set. No matter what the situation there’s
always a solution.

3. Be friendly and well liked. It’s important to build strong interpersonal
relationships. Everyone you pass each day deserves a smile and “hello.” People who
are kind and considerate to everyone including security personnel, receptionists,
parking attendants, employees, co-workers, supervisors and executives are well
liked. Aside from playing a good game, treating people with respect is the only way
to win the game of life.

4. Be neutral on personal issues. You don’t want to be involved with gossip,
rumors or other negativity – especially personal issues. If someone is doing
something unethical confront that person directly. Stay neutral, indifferent and
uninformed about gossip-type stories. They don’t matter, they distract you from
your goal and they harm people.

5. Be a team player. Use language like “we” when describing your successes.
When making decisions spend time thinking about how they will affect other people.
Focus on how you can influence your team to row in the same direction. If you work
together the possibilities are endless. If you work alone possibilities are limited.

6. Be clear about your boundaries. Know your core values. Know what you
stand for. When things happen that you don’t agree with, check in with your values
and goals before responding. It’s important to stay true to yourself and know what
you will and won’t do. Playing the game includes being flexible. It doesn’t include
compromising your values.

7. Be humble. You come into work, you do your job and you do it well. Everyone
values being recognized for a job well done. Everyone needs to feel important and
needs to matter. How you manage that attention is a key element to playing a good
game. Humility is the ability to earn and receive praise and still understand that you
have room to grow. Make a contribution without promoting your ego.

8. Be committed. There’s nothing worse than being “on the fence” “in the grey
area” or “kinda” working on something. If your leadership style is important to you
– commit to it. If your company and team matter to you – commit to them. Truth
is, we are all committed to something. Focus on how you can be a WOW employee
and commit to what it will take to get there.

9. Be trustworthy. If someone trusts you with information, responsibility or a
commitment – honor it. Have integrity and do what you say you’re going to do.
Keep confidential information private. Whenever you’re discussing a situation or
person ask, “Am I sharing valuable information that moves everyone forward?” “Am
I honoring others and being trustworthy in this moment?” Let your intuition be your
guide.

10. Be grateful. Give thanks and appreciation to those around you. No one wins
the game on their own. From the time you were born until now you have needed
other people. Acknowledge those who work with you, help you and support you.
People are more receptive when they know that you appreciate them.


Be, do, have. In that order. In the New Year, focus on how you’re being. Think
about your game playing strategy. Is it working for you? If not, what do you
commit to being? How do you want to be? You are in total control of one, and only
one, thing. You. Choose how you want to be and commit to your success.

Keep playing!