SURVIVOR: HOW TO DEAL WITH Social Politics in your organization

Transcription

1 D SURVIVOR: HOW TO DEAL WITH Social Politics in your organization Like the show Survivor, players have to adapt to the game of social politics to make alliances and meet their goal of success. Social politics is just as prevalent in our working lives where knowing how to deal with office politics, having a strong sense of self, and good negotiation skills are key in order to forge effective working relationships with colleagues and business partners.

2 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF WORK 2 2 In what ways does your work remind you of an episode of Survivor? Are there other TV shows that remind you of a day in the life of your work? Page 2 of 19

3 SOCIAL POLITICS DEFINED SORT OF Merriam-Webster sociopolitical: of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and political factors Is it the same thing as politics? After all, isn t all politics social? Social Politics is the journal for incisive analyses of gender, politics and policies in an international context. 3 What is social politics? Page 3 of 19

4 3 CONSISTENT THEMES 01 Awareness of politics in your organization Every organization is political 03 Negotiations More than just a one-time transaction 02 Emotional Intelligence Are you aware of the emotions of yourself and others? 4 Three components that comprise social politics: 1. Office politics: 2. Emotional Intelligence: 3. Negotiations: Page 4 of 19

5 OFFICE POLITICS 5 What are your first thoughts about office politics? Resources: 1. Dealing with Office Politics (Navigating the Minefield) - Page 5 of 19

6 How do you approach office politics? Run away from it or proactively engaged in it? Resources: 1. The Underlying Psychology of Office Politics - Page 6 of 19

7 OFFICE POLITICS Focus & Reframe People make projects Stakeholder management Network: Build advocates and influence others to be your supporters Listen 7 What are some positive aspects of office politics? Resources: 1. Win at Office Politics without Selling Your Soul Playing Positive Office Politics - Page 7 of 19

8 OFFICE POLITICS: SURVIVOR TIP The ones who advance in the game are the ones who are able to build coalitions and master the politics of their organization 8 8 Think of a political situation you are currently encountering. How will you use the information presented today to navigate the situation? Page 8 of 19

9 What does emotional intelligence mean to you? The four skills of EQ: Page 9 of 19

10 EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Focus & Reframe Emotions don t stay at home just because we are going to work Need to understand and manage emotions to make the most of each day Decades of research shows that EQ predicts success on the job over any other skill, including IQ and technical expertise 10 7 Tips for improved self-awareness how can you employ these strategies?: 1. Keep an open mind: 2. Know your strengths and weaknesses: 3. Do not run from your emotions feel them: 4. Know who and what pushes your buttons what are your triggers?: 5. Know yourself under stress what does a stressful day / moment look like? 6. Journal write down your thoughts: 7. Ask for regular constructive feedback (i.e. did I handle that situation appropriately? Resources: Self-Awareness Exercises That Fuel Success: Page 10 of 19

11 EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: SURVIVOR TIP Regardless of how brainy you may be, if you turn others away with abrasive behavior, unaware of how you are presenting yourself, no one will stick around long enough to notice your high IQ. 11 Have you noticed job descriptions that seek candidates with high EQ? Write down some of the descriptors of emotionally intelligent traits: What traits have you listed would you like to better develop? Write a deadline for yourself as to when you want to seek further training or development with these skills sets. I will work on. by [Date]: Page 11 of 19

12 NEGOTIATIONS What do you think of when you think about negotiations? Reach Agreement Winning! Clear Communication Persuasion Be Prepared 12 What is the typical scenario that comes to mind when you think of negotiations? Buying a car? Salary negotiations? What is your ultimate goal in negotiations? Page 12 of 19

13 NEGOTIATIONS Getting to yes, most times 1. Understand the politics 2. Be in tune with the emotions of the situation 3. Wants vs. Needs 4. Focus on common interests and objectives 5. Reach agreement 6. Repeat steps Think of a time when negotiations did not go so well on your project. What were the underlying reasons? Politics of the situation? Lack of awareness of the emotions of yourself or others? Your approach was to crush them? How did the experience impact your ongoing relationship with the stakeholder(s)? Page 13 of 19

14 NEGOTIATIONS Focus & Reframe Recognize the type of negotiations you are in Trade things of unequal value Sometimes negotiating no 14 Is there a person at your organization who is a savvy negotiator? Seek them as a mentor! Or watch them and take notes during a negotiating moment. Who is that person?: What are some strategies or tips you noticed during a negotiations meeting when that person is in action?: Page 14 of 19

15 NEGOTIATIONS: No Sandwich (Yes to the reason) - "I appreciate the offer to speak at your event. My goal in this is to make sure my time is best spent and unfortunately (The no) for that fee, it's a little bit below than what I can accept at this time. So because of that, I'm going to have to turn this opportunity down. (Close with yes) However, please keep me in mind for other opportunities and please let me know how I can continue to support the organization." 15 Challenge: Write the script for an upcoming scenario or past scenario where the No sandwich can be applied: Yes to the reason: The no: Close with a yes: Resources: 1. The Introvert Entrepreneur Ep149: Kwame Christian and Negotiating for Success (April 12, 2017): Page 15 of 19

16 NEGOTIATIONS: SURVIVOR TIP Negotiations at work is more than a one-time transaction. You can have multiple encounters with the same person Sometimes you have to give the other person a win 16 Were there times you could have given the other person across the table a win? What were those situations? Page 16 of 19

17 QUESTIONS? 17 My ah-ha moments: Action Steps: 1. Improve EQ: 2. Improve negotiation skills: 3. Embrace office politics: Page 17 of 19

18 THIS HAS BEEN FUN! SURVIVOR: HOW TO DEAL THRIVE WITH Social Politics in your organization 18 General Notes: Page 18 of 19

19 Crystal Richards, FHFMA, PMP /in/crystaljrichards/ Feedback /MRGrpLLC Serving the Greater Baltimore and Washington, DC areas Contact Numbers: (C) (O) Address: Page 19 of 19