Aug 21, 2019
Whether it’s a team of 10 or
10,000, office politics matter. Jim and Jan talk about what office
politics really is, how it’s changed over the years, and how to
build a foundation for relationships that work for you, not against
you. They also discuss why not all gossip (and humor) is bad, the
importance of playing to your strengths, and adhering to ethical
judgement.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
The Leadership Podcast is proud
to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very
short podcasts called “chalk talks.” They’re “bitesize” hacks on
common (but challenging) leadership issues.
You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to
our mailing list at
The Leadership Podcast.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
Key Takeaways
[2:33] Office politics can be
thought of as devious and divisive in the business world. However,
great leaders remember that we are in an environment of complex
relations with many variables.
[4:25] While the size of our
organizations has grown over time and the flow of information is
faster, human condition is still the same.
[6:57] We can use the power we
do have in ways to influence hopefully for the good, not just
improve our status.
[9:17] A few of the practical
steps one can take to make sure they are creating a culture of a
positive office environment:
- Play
to your strengths, and invite others to do the
same.
- Relationships are key, and strong relationships
allow you navigate the political minefield
better.
- Don’t
make assumptions.
- If
you want to avoid the bloodless coup, you have to have
relationships defend you when you aren’t around.
- Don’t
get over sensitized to when others talk about you behind your back.
There is such a good thing as good snickering.
[11:59] We spend up to 100,000
hours in our career throughout our lifetime, so it’s important to
make them count.
[15:36] Great leaders pay
attention to what’s going on around them, and aim for ethical
judgment 100% of the time.
[20:39] Give people the chance
to explain what they are looking for in an outcome and what keeps
them motivated.
[22:47] You do not control your
brand or reputation, that is determined by the people surrounding
you.
[24:29] Manage your integrity
and hold yourself up to the highest version of your honesty and
values.
Quotable Quotes
- “If
you want to be respected and trusted, you have to respect and trust
others.”
- “If
something is tough, assumptions might be making it tougher than it
needs to be.”
- “Be
careful about what you say about other people.”
- “Manage your integrity.”
MASH
The Compass
Solution
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
TLP023: Unlocking The True Potential of Your
Team
Clayton Christiansen
Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders
Facebook: @westudyleaders
Twitter: @westudyleaders
info@theleadershippodcast.com