Sometimes people complain that a coworker is “too political”. This may
mean that the person is seen as a groveling toady or backstabbing
manipulator. But most politically successful people are simply being
smart about their career. Like athletic ability, political savvy seems
to come naturally to some people, while others have to learn. So here
are some strategies to adopt if you want to demonstrate more political
intelligence.
1.Partner with your boss.
Unless you have unique
and irreplaceable knowledge or skills (or are related to the CEO), your
boss has more power than you do. Your manager also has greater access
to key decision-makers. So it’s better to have your boss as a
cheerleader than an adversary. Politically savvy people know how to
“manage up”.
2.Be a 360˚ team player.
With a wide network of
relationships, you will have more information about what’s going on.
And if people are willing to cooperate and collaborate with you, you
will produce better results. Politically savvy people develop positive
relationships in all directions – with management, peers, and
employees.
3.Understand the “power map”.
Organizations are power
hierarchies. And from time to time, that power shifts. To succeed, you
need to know where the leverage lies – who has influence (formal or
informal), who doesn’t, and how much you have yourself. Politically
savvy people always understand the leverage equation and recognize when
it may be changing.
4.Practice subtle self-promotion.
No one can appreciate
you if they don’t know what you’re doing. But that doesn’t mean you
should become an insufferable braggart. Find natural ways to mention
achievements and challenges, like sending regular progress reports to
your boss or chatting about your projects at lunch. Politically savvy
people share information without being obnoxious.
5.Connect with the power people.
The big decisions about
your career will be made (or endorsed) by people above your boss, so you
need to be sure they know who you are. Since you may have limited
access, look for interaction opportunities and be ready with a question
to ask or information to share. Politically savvy people enjoy talking
to folks who have power (which is not the same as sucking up).
6.Commit to the business.
An indifferent,
apathetic attitude never impressed anyone. If you want decision-makers
to think well of you, you need to be interested in and excited about the
business – because you can bet that they are! Politically savvy people
choose a career that they find interesting and energizing. You can’t
fake enthusiasm for long.
