Archive for the ‘Office Politics’ Category
Dial Down Mistrust in the Office
24April 2009
Are you still in shock by reports of Wall Street failures and bailouts? Do you ever relate the performance of these firms to Terrible Office Tyrants or TOTs™ in your company? If you do you’re not alone. Apparently, a bad boss can go under the radar just like global conglomerates until it’s too late.
According to 86% of U.S. adults in a recent independent national survey we commissioned, public failures of large companies are viewed as similar to the much less conspicuous actions of bosses who make poor decisions every day. Both can leave a wake of damage behind them - and no one is aware of it until disaster strikes. (Unlike toddlers, though, the office TOT leaves no juice or chocolate stains to for the CEO to discover!) Unfortunately, sometimes you feel that if you push back on a decision or idea, you may be pushed out!)
Don’t allow these frustrating office situations to ruin your day or your career. If you become catalyst for positive change, you’ll do your part to dial down the mistrust meter. Fine-tune your skills in managing up before things get out of hand. This will not only reduce your stress level. It may be the most strategic career move of your life.
Like so many aspects of achieving success, maintaining an objective, healthy perspective and being proactive can make all the difference. Here are some simple workplace strategies to manage counter-productive office politics:
Provide your managers with highly specific input: Your views matter and may be the “missing piece in the puzzle” that can help your company make better, more informed decisions. You’d be surprised how often your solutions are welcome, and even if one out of five are workable, they will be greatly appreciated. After all, you’re making your boss’s job easier if you have answers.
Don’t allow negativity to devour you: Despite the prevalent “sky is falling” mood in corporate America, keep your eye on the prize with regard to your career and opportunities. When things are in flux, chances for advancement can unfold before you at any time - if you allow them to - and believe it or not, that demeanor will be contagious to your boss.
Make tough times work in your favor: Make it clear your co-workers and your team that you’re a reliable, solutions-oriented person. Read my Managing Up tips under New/Articles, to find out more about how to effect change through diplomacy and problem solving.
Everyone can agree that this is an unusual and very challenging period of our history. But keep in mind that while you can’t control how Wall Street or the economy affects your company, you can help create more positive energy around you. Remember to make skillful communication, problem solving, and peace making a daily goal. Your efforts will reap innumerable benefits now, but especially when the uptick returns!
More on the Downsized Office, “Surprise Boss”
14February 2009
As I mentioned in my last blog, layoffs are reshuffling people and departments constantly. Many employees don’t know what to expect from day to day, including how this environment will impact their own job duties. Flexibility is the word of the day. But when you have a newly “inaugurated” boss as a result of a downsized office, there are several steps you can take to mitigate stress.
I wrote to self-proclaimed “Jumpy” last time, who asked about such a situation. I’ll take this opportunity to elaborate further. First, realize that it’s common for a new boss to want to know more about the projects you’re working on, and to wonder just how much management you need. (This assumes that micromanagement hasn’t gone into full gear!) Besides sitting down and communicating with your new “surprise” boss about any and all pertinent issues, here are five tips to enhance your job security and career advancement:
1. Have a new employee mindset. Forget the ways that you used to or always did things, or the ways your old boss did them. Pretend it’s your first day. Ask questions and listen.
2. Watch closely how your new manager operates, and ask your peers for information about his or her working style. Observe how your boss interacts with others. Be a sponge. Remember, information is the currency of self-empowerment and a key to your advancement.
3. Be a resource. Go the extra mile and roll up your sleeves. Know that your boss and colleagues are doing the same. This economy dictates that everyone wear more hats - and so become more proactive in helping out where possible. That said, set reasonable limits to maintain your health and peace of mind - or you won’t be of any help to yourself or anyone else!
4. Know that your new supervisor is likely overwhelmed, too, perhaps as a result of assuming the roles of two or more people. The more compassionate, efficient and focused you are, the more indispensable you become.
5. Focus on work. Avoid the temptation to be distracted by, or become involved with, gossip, rumors, politics or fear. Just do good work; it always counts the most.
Big changes in the workplace or in your career are difficult to navigate at first, but if you can tough it out, better times do eventually follow.
Best regards,
Lynn Taylor
Dare To Share Your Story!
26June 2008
Got a TOT? You’re not alone! Dare to share your story here at the TOT Blog with other TOT tamers in the making. I’ll help you cope with difficult or childish bosses, navigate office politics, and humanize your workplace™. The end result? Greater fulfillment in your job and advancement in your career.
Post a comment with your TOT story, and we might feature it in an upcoming blog article. Or post a question for me, and I will try my best to answer it in the TOT Tamer Advice Column. Be sure to visit the Tame Your TOT™ site at http://www.tameyourtot.com/.
Managing Up: Communication Is The Key
30May 2008
Although having a childish boss might make you want to tear your hair out, you can take steps to improve the situation. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some tips about Managing Up. The first one is all about communication.
When dealing with your manager, whether he’s a Terrible Office Tyrant™ or an ideal boss, you should establish a good communication path. Keep your conversations brief, but creative and appealing. Keep communications positive. Set up weekly meetings to devise new goals together and update him on your progress. Study his patterns so you can approach him at the most opportune time. Be polite, even if he’s blowing his top. And when your boss is behaving perfectly, show your gratitude and give compliments. After all, it’s better to reinforce good behavior than to spend your whole career avoiding bad behavior!
Best Regards,
Lynn
Visit the Tame Your TOT™ site at www.tameyourtot.com.
