Today’s Morning Buzz is brought to you by Jackie Wehmeyer, Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Parkland, FL, and a proud new member of ELGL’s Board of Directors. Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn.
- What I’m eating: Just tried my first sopaipilla with honey — love!
- What I’m watching: Phillies baseball while trying to not be in last place every single week in my son’s fantasy baseball league.
- What I’m doing this summer: Right now, I’m on vacation with my family in New Mexico and Colorado. It’s great to visit places in the U.S. that are quite different from Southeast Florida, and we are soaking up the mountains, low humidity, and adventure.
I got played.
It’s how I felt when I was the recipient of someone I respected withholding information to try to get a result they preferred. It hurt, and I tried to rationalize whether I should have seen it coming. I couldn’t imagine playing politics in that way.
In local government, we witness politics being played at the dais all the time. So how can we play politics with our peers and have it seem acceptable?
Well, the truth is, we all play politics in some way. Playing politics means something different to each of us. There’s sometimes a fine line between positive and negative politics and understanding the difference can make or break our work experiences. The reasons we do it, who it affects and how, and the way we do it are important.
I don’t believe we should avoid playing politics if our intent is pure and our goals never involve it being at the expense of others. Work politics can be much more about allowing our peers to truly see us and our value.
How can we play politics right, and better, while maintaining integrity and fostering a positive work environment? Here are some thoughts:
- Build Strong Relationships
Networking is Key: Develop genuine connections with colleagues of all levels. Attend social events, participate in activities, and be approachable.
Listen Actively: Show interest in others’ ideas and concerns. Active listening builds trust and rapport, making it easier to gain allies.
- Communicate Effectively
Be Clear and Concise: Articulate your ideas and feedback clearly. Effective communication reduces misunderstandings and ensures your message is heard.
Use Positive Language: Frame your communication in a positive light. This fosters a collaborative atmosphere and positions you as a constructive team player.
- Understand Organizational/Team Dynamics
Map the Power Structure: Identify key decision-makers, influencers, and informal leaders within an organization or team. Understanding who holds sway can help you align your efforts strategically.
Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to unwritten rules and cultural norms. Adapt your behavior to fit the environment without compromising your values.
- Showcase Your Value
Deliver Results: Consistently produce high-quality work. When you demonstrate reliability and excellence, you naturally earn respect and influence.
Highlight Achievements: Don’t be shy about sharing your successes. Communicate your contributions in a way that underscores their impact on the team and organization.
- Maintain Integrity
Stay Ethical: Always operate with honesty and integrity. Gaining influence through unethical means will eventually backfire and damage your reputation.
Be Transparent: Ensure your actions and intentions are clear to others. Transparency builds trust and reduces the likelihood of being misunderstood or misinterpreted.
- Support and Collaborate
Be a Team Player: Offer help to colleagues and collaborate on projects. Being known as someone who supports others fosters goodwill and strengthens your network.
Recognize Others: Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of your peers. This not only builds positive relationships but also positions you as a gracious and supportive colleague.
- Handle Conflicts Diplomatically
Address Issues Early: Tackle conflicts head-on but diplomatically. Addressing issues early prevents them from escalating and demonstrates your commitment to harmonious relationships.
Seek Win-Win Solutions: Aim for resolutions that benefit all parties involved. This approach not only resolves conflicts but also builds stronger working relationships.
- Keep Learning and Adapting
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback on your performance and behavior. Constructive criticism helps you grow and adapt your strategies.
Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and organizational changes. Being informed allows you to anticipate shifts and adjust your approach accordingly.
- Be Patient and Persistent
Play the Long Game: Building influence and navigating politics takes time. Be patient and persistent in your efforts, and don’t expect immediate results.
Stay Resilient: Politics can be challenging, but resilience is key. Learn from setbacks, stay focused on your goals, and maintain a positive attitude. Know when to speak up for yourself.
We can’t control our colleagues, and we can’t control whether we are played or not. But by considering these points, you can navigate work politics more effectively, build positive relationships, and enhance your influence in a constructive and ethical manner.