Politics: From the US Capitol to the Workplace

By Steven E. Sacks, CPA, CGMA, ABC

Young professionals or those about to graduate college should view the political game in Washington as a playbook for their firm or office. Office politics contains the same elements that our leaders in Washington must use to navigate the rough waters.

If you think technology (and reliance on remote communication) will supplant office politics, you can rid yourself of this myth. There are at least five principles you should follow to effectively play the game.

1. Words do matter. Make sure the words and phrases you choose reflect a positive attitude and a team-player approach. You can say a lot of positive things throughout each day and each week, but understand that one negative misstep will stick out and be remembered for far longer and more precisely. Our president can inadvertently introduce new words to our lexicon and it will impact several news cycles superseding any of his [ahem] legislative accomplishments. So while you may have come in under budget on the audit, an “I don’t have time to look at it,” will eliminate the points you earned. (Think Hope Hicks: she can counter her treacly bromide to the president with one dissenting word.)
2. Listen carefully and well. You have two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you speak. The better you listen AND try to understand, the more effective team member you will be. Seek to understand and recall accurately the conversations you have had. It is easier to remember what you heard rather than what you said. This holds true for everyone. Focus on what is disconcerting to others and be sure to avoid those topics in your conversations.
3. Network effectively and often. Let’s be honest, very few people will remain in the same organization for their entire careers. It is especially important at the outset of your career to make friends, built a support system of allies and business connections that will provide guidance, assistance, job leads, and constructive advice. Building a network is a life-long endeavor and does not cease whenever you land a new position.
4. Don’t burn bridges. It may be tempting but any service profession is a community; a fraternity; a sorority. If you remember how different groups of people supported you in your career, you will continue to cultivate and maintain these relationships. Tending to your network will help it grow exponentially. Remember the words of Mark Twain: “Always do right. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”
5. Employ continuous personal improvement. Competition for jobs is at its most intense level. Even if you think you are at the top of your game today, tomorrow you may be behind the curve. You should constantly read about your profession and how technology, standards and legislation will impact it. And don’t forget about continuing professional education — not just what you need to keep your license, but more important, courses and training on comportment, leadership and communication.

You may not be running for elective office, but you are surely seeking to further your career. So take a few pages out of the politician’s playbook and use them to your advantage in your office.

 

About Steve

Steven Sacks is the CEO of Solutions to Results, LLC, a consultancy that specializes in helping individuals, firms and organizations meet the challenges of communicating with clarity and purpose. Visit his website at www.solutions2results.com.