Make the most of your network

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.

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.

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...

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.

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 a...

• Avoid passing on rumors without considering their credibility;
• Assume that whatever you say will be repeated, so choose carefully what "secrets" you reveal.
• Remain professional at all times, and don't take sides.
• If you're voicing concerns or cr...