Enjoying Politics

Elections like the one we just had in Alberta can be enjoyed, endured or abhorred.  But most of us would agree that we wouldn’t want any of the alternative methods of governance.

Small “p” politics are evident in every organization, and many frustrated individuals speak disparagingly about them.  Better, however, to recognize that whenever people organize themselves, there will be politics.  In fact that is the Greek origin of the word.

Politics represents how we develop ideas and accomplish work, and every manager should develop practical skills in moving goals forward. The challenge for managers is to understand the political climate in the organization and to use the conventions to advance projects. A couple of examples of how to do this.

• Some leaders are more influential than others.  If they are aware of what we are doing, they can take our objectives into consideration when formulating their own ideas.  Often within the scope of any project, there is a reasonable cause to meet with senior leaders to brief them or to solicit their input.  Gain the agreement of your immediate superior(s) and if possible include them in the meetings.  This does take time but the benefits extend throughout the project and beyond.

• Some organizations encourage setting up multi-disciplinary teams to accomplish goals.  Other organizations prefer primarily individual effort.  Nevertheless, individual accomplishments are richer when linked to other actions within the organization.  Consciously consider the style of achievement in your organization and design your work to fit the preferred approach while still seeking input, ideas and feedback from colleagues.