NAVIGATING OFFICE POLITICS Kim Meninger ’97, MBA ’08 Executive Coach BOSTON COLLEGE WORLD-WIDE WEBINARS

Agenda How politically savvy are you? What are office politics? Why are office politics important? What are the keys to your political success?

How Politically Savvy Are You? Do you understand your organization’s informal power structure? Do you feel confident in your ability to influence decisions that affect you and your team? Do you know how others perceive you? Do you have a powerful and strategic internal network? Do you read people and situations effectively? Do you successfully manage your emotions and impulses when facing challenges? 3

What Are Office Politics? Strategies used by individuals to sell ideas, influence decisions and achieve personal & organizational goals 4

Why Are Politics Important? Political savvy strengthens your ability to influence others & maximize resources Strategic relationships offer access to inside information Critical allies provide air cover during sticky situations Increased visibility and improved performance leads to career advancement opportunities 5

Keys to Your Political Success Understand your political landscape Understand yourself and how others perceive you Invest in strategic relationships Hone your ability to read people and situations Manage your emotions 6

Understand Your Political Landscape Know the informal power structure Who are the key players? What do they do? Understand your company’s real values 7

Understand Yourself Know your value Identify your strengths & weaknesses Understand how others perceive you 8

Invest in Strategic Relationships Diversify your network Build powerful alliances Be on the inside track Leverage your resources 9

Read People & Situations Observe others Pay attention to body language Ask questions Listen carefully Show empathy 10

Manage Your Emotions Control your impulses Check your ego Practice measured responses Be strategic about displays of emotion 11

Final Tips Practice Be willing to try new strategies Stay true to your values Don’t compromise your integrity Don’t go it alone Engage mentors for guidance Consider your options Be willing to leave if it’s not a fit 12

Additional Resources Secrets to Winning at Office Politics, Marie G. McIntyre, Ph.D. Survival of the Savvy High-Integrity Political Tactics for Career and Company Success, Rick Brandon, Ph.D. & Marty Seldman, Ph.D. It’s All Politics: Winning in a World Where Hard Work and Talent Aren’t Enough, Kathleen Kelley Reardon, Ph.D. 13

Additional Online Resources 6 Ways to Win at Office Politics Forbes Leadership, September 15, 2015 Office Politics Isn’t Something You Can Sit Out Harvard Business Review, January 12, Steps to Mastering Office Politics Forbes Leadership, July 31, 2012 Stop Avoiding Office Politics Harvard Business Review, November 2,

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