Look beyond your immediate team, and cross the formal hierarchy in all directions – co-workers, managers and executives. 
Don't be afraid of politically powerful people. Get to know them, and build high-quality connections that avoid empty flattery.

Build connections

Reflect on your emotions, what prompts them, and how you handle them. 
This kind of emotional intelligence helps you to pick up on other people's emotions, too, and to understand what kind of approach they like or dislike.

Interpersonal skills

Office politics are a reality, and avoiding them altogether risks not having a say in what happens. 
It also allows people with less experience, skill or knowledge than you to influence decisions that affect you and your team.

Using office politics to your advantage

Examine people's interactions and relationships to understand the informal or social networks.
Watch closely (but discreetly and respectfully) to find out who gets along with who, and who finds it more difficult to interact with others. 
Notice whether connections are based on friendship, respect, romance, or something else.

Understand the informal network

Through your relationships, you can build your personal brand and raise your team's profile.
When you communicate your achievements to your connections, they might open up opportunities for you, your team, and your boss. 
Always keep your organization's goals in mind, and don't "badmouth" others.

Make the most of your network

Get to know the gossips and manipulators better. Be courteous but guarded, as they may repeat what you say with a negative "spin." Try to understand their goals, so that you can avoid or counter the impact of their negative politicking.

Keep an eye on the "bad" politics

<ul><li>Avoid passing on rumors without considering their credibility;</li><li>Assume that whatever you say will be repeated, so choose carefully what "secrets" you reveal.</li><li>Remain professional at all times, and don't take sides.</li><li>If you're voicing concerns or criticism of your own, be confident and assertive but not aggressive. </li></ul>

Avoid fueling negative behaviors

Map the political power and influence in your organization, rather than people's rank or job title.
Ask yourself questions like, "Who are the real influencers?," "Who has authority but tends not to exercise it?," "Who is respected?," "Who champions or mentors others?," and "Who is the brains behind the business?"

Analyze the organization chart

Use Politics positively to get what you want without losing your soul

problemsolving

Problem Solving

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Leadership & Management

communication

Communication

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

timemanagement

Time Management

Navigate Office Politics

Getting What You Want Without "Playing Dirty" What do you think of when you hear the words "office politics"? Is it all about "backstabbing," spreading malicious rumors, and "sucking up" to the right people? If so, you'll likely want to stay as far away from it as you can!

Using office politics to your advantage

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