WHY? Because playing politics can save your career. Interested? Then read on…
Everyone has probably heard the cliché, “If I had a penny for every time I heard…I’d be rich.” Well, I might not be rich, but I know for sure my jar of pennies would fill up pretty quickly if I collected one every time I heard a client say, “I’m tired of the training department being perceived as being of such little value to the organization.”
Learning how to play politics will help you shed this unfavorable image. Now I know it may not be an easy task. However, if you stick with the plan that I am going to outline, you will experience success. I am excited for you, so let’s get started – it is a simple four-part process!
1. Watch your attitude:
As a representative of the training department, are you a positive, friendly, and affirming individual, who people enjoy “bumping” into? Nobody wants to work with an “Eeyore.” (Do you remember that dismally gloomy donkey from “Winnie the Pooh?”)
2. Improve your listening skills:
I met an individual who told me that he runs his business by listening. He said it was like putting your ear to a railroad track; you can hear the train-a-comin’ long before it arrives. Listening to what is important to people shows respect and concern.
3. Attend key operational meetings:
Once you get to know people in your organization and what their passions are, then you can become a valuable resource by helping them meet their goals and visions. Also, operational meetings will provide a platform for you to educate and inform your organization on how training is a key strategic partner in your company.
4. Be visible:
Walk around and show an interest in people by asking them how their weekend was or how is the health of their mom/dad/brother/sister/etc. who just had surgery? Make a point to remember names and situations.
Once you incorporate these four steps so they become a natural part of your management style, then you will be able to run your training department like a real strategic partner, and not just another “program peddler” providing no value. And here are some more tips for dealing with office politics.
Thank you for reading this blog, and please let us know how it is going.
Ron
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