Political savvy is a skill - not a game

This post came out from The Business Times (19 March 2016)
Title - Political savvy is a skill - not a game

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Reframing workplace politics
2. Critical leadership competency
3. Well defined purpose

On Reframing workplace politics

• The politically savvy keep their integrity and values intact, while building relationships at work to sell ideas, drive organisational efficiency and grow their careers. 
• They also practice workplace diplomacy by remaining attuned to political undercurrents but don't allow themselves to get pulled into situations that could compromise their working relationships or reputation. 
• Many people like the idea of avoiding office politics, but it is impossible to do so in reality because all life is political and there are so many people striving to attain power. 
• People can remain credible only if their integrity and values are not compromised. Political savviness gets a bad rap because of people who compromise their "fundamental beliefs". 

On Critical leadership competency

• This includes facilitating workshops or individual coaching to build this skill in staff for the good of the organisation.
• One must be able to read people or situations. Most people are not born with high EQ or emotional intelligence, but it can be learnt. Reading people requires interest, boundless curiosity and perseverance. For example, if you see your boss looking stressed or unhappy, the worst thing you can do is to drop another bombshell. 
• This ability also helps you to be aware of your workplace dynamics - where power lies does not always depend on titles and positions. While it may be tempting to stick to cliques or associate with the "people in power", it is better to lobby for the respect and trust of all colleagues. 
• Giving credit when it is due and delivering on promises are some ways to win people over. After all, it is impossible to know whose endorsement or help you may need in the future, so it always pays to be kind and professional. 
• If you think you can get away with being rude to the office secretary, you will be surprised to know just what kind of reputation you have at the end of the day. Successful politics is a forward journey and not a backward stab. The politically savvy build other people up, not tear them down. 
• Likewise, if faced with people who overtake you by "foul means", build these people up as well. This will either make them feel shameful at what they are doing will stop them, or (more likely) the impact of their behaviour will work to their disadvantage. 
• Overly political offices where backstabbing and gossiping are rampant indicates a problem with leadership. If you have serious office politics that ends up disrupting things, then you are employing too many people, isolating them into silos and making their lives hell. 
• To fix the situation, find out who is the worst detractor, and either fire, or seriously warn him or her. Secondly, transparency in the office is a must. While office politics will never be fully eradicated due to human nature, an open office is one way to destroy gossip. 

On Well-defined purpose

• Businesses must ensure that their purpose is well defined and adopted by workers. When there is no clear purpose, everyone has their own goals and most of their time is taken up promoting them. 
• A cauldron of agendas is not the basis of a happy or successful business. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big