Ah yes. Office politics. The source of many a bad joke and, if you're like many of us, some significant 3 am career angst. Whether you like playing this particular game or not, office politics are unfortunately a fact of life. Understanding how to approach the game of "Corporate Snakes and Ladders" can help you climb the ladder faster and with greater ease while avoiding at least some of those snakes that could derail your next opportunity and possibly even your career.
Understanding workplace dynamics isn't about pulling strings—it's simply about recognizing those unwritten rules that influence how things really get done in any professional setting. Without further ado, here are a few ideas to help you master the game:
Get to know your board
Every organization has its own unique landscape with a variety of different snakes and ladders. Take time to learn who holds the power, the influence, how decisions are really made, and which behaviours are rewarded and which ones tend to be punished.
Figure out whose name is mentioned in every meeting (as in, "we'll need to loop Sue in on this"). And trust me, for this part of the work the formal organizational chart is only the start.
Ladders: How you move up
- Build strategic relationships – Connect with influencers across departments and hierarchies. Consider for a moment that the quiet finance manager might have the CEO's ear. In fact, the CFO probably does have more of the CEO's ear than you might imagine. Follow the money!
- Create visibility for your work – Your achievements need to be seen by others, particularly by decision-makers. Explore ways to ensure your contributions are shared without appearing self-serving.
- Solve problems that matter – Focus on addressing issues important to decision-makers, not just the things that you care about.
- Master the unspoken culture – Every workplace has unwritten "how things are done around here" rules. How can you navigate the line of adapting to these norms while remaining true to yourself as much as possible?
Snakes: Pitfalls to avoid
- Misreading the political landscape – Aligning yourself with the wrong faction or failing to notice power shifts can derail your progress in a heartbeat.
- Burning bridges – Always bear in mind that today's junior colleague could be tomorrow's decision-maker. So make it easy on yourself - treat everyone you work with with respect.
- Becoming pigeonholed – Being known for only one skill or contribution will ultimately limit your advancement opportunities. Don't be a one-trick pony...
Consider one or more of these strategies to move to the next level:
- Become a connector – Those who facilitate collaboration and information flow between groups gain outsized influence. Look to add value in each and every the rooms you're in. Seriously.
- Practice strategic generosity – Help others succeed, especially in visible ways that align with organizational goals.
- Learn to disagree - productively – Master the art of constructive challenge while avoiding making enemies.
- Cultivate your personal brand – Be known (and consistency matters here) for something meaningful that differentiates you from your peers.
Got a particular workplace challenge? Book a time to meet me for a 30 minute "let's put our heads together and figure out your next step" conversation - free of charge. We'll get you headed in the right direction.
In next month's newsletter, we'll explore how to recover when you've (ack!) stepped on a snake and need to rebuild momentum.
Thanks for being part of our community, Darcy
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