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Part 4 • Leading
support or opposition each can be expected to exert; and the personal, positional, and coalitional power you and your supporters can bring to bear to counter the resistance of opponents. General Guidelines for Political Action Now we turn from analysis to action. This section offers some general guidelines for successful political behavior. The next section describes specific strategies. 1. Frame arguments in terms of organizational goals. Effective politicking requires covering up self-interest. No matter that your objective is self-serving; all the arguments you marshal in support of your objective must be framed in terms of the benefits that will accrue to the organization. People whose actions appear to blatantly further their own interests at the expense of the organization’s are almost universally denounced, are likely to lose influence, and often suffer the ultimate penalty of being expelled from the organization. 2. Practice Impression Management. Impression management—that is, attempting to behave in ways that will create and maintain desired impressions in the minds of others12—is an important part of political success. If you have assessed your organization’s culture, you are aware of appropriate dress codes, which associates to cultivate and which to avoid, whether to appear to be a risk taker or to be risk aversive, the preferred leadership style, the importance placed on getting along well with others, and so forth. Then you are equipped to project the appropriate image. Because effectiveness in an organization is not a fully objective outcome, style as well as substance must be attended to. Social networking can facilitate this process. 3. Utilize Social Networking. A social network is a communication structure made up of individuals, groups, or organizations that are connected by common interests or interdependencies such as friendship, financial goals, career paths, or political agenda. Examples of internet networks often used for impression management and career advancement are Linkedin, Twitter, and MySpace. Figure 12.2 summarizes some networking skills you can use for impression management.
Impressions are being formed about you as soon as you enter into new relationships. Start building social networks immediately to help influence how others perceive you by doing the following things.
1. Map out your ideal network. • • • •
Determine who knows what’s going on. Figure out who is critical in the workflow. Assess who knows how to get around roadblocks. Determine who can help you the most.
2. Take action to build the network. • Don’t be shy; most other people will be receptive and want to help. • Start conversations with: “I’m new here. Can you help me get to know people who...?” 3. Reciprocate and invest in your network. • Share information useful to others. • Take the time to stay in touch with network members. • Update your network as people and situations change. FIGURE 12.2 Networking Skills for Impression Management. Source: Adapted from William C. Byham, “Start Networking Right Away (Even If You Hate It),” Vol. 87, No. 1, Harvard Business Review (January 2009), p. 22.
