STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR WINNING THE
OFFICE POLITICKING WARS
By: John R. Halstead
In the first
part of this topic we identified office politics and the some of the major
types of players that we will encounter. Some ideas for handling different
political types were discussed. In this part I am going to describe tactics
that range from small actions to all out war. Some of these tactics will seem
harsh, malevolent, and even immoral. The bottom line is that depending on an individual’s
values and ethical beliefs these can be used at extreme levels. As the tactics
become more extreme you will need to ask yourself if these tactics are for you.
In the more extreme the answer might come down to whether the ends are
justified by the means. Lets start with some basic strategies that you can use
for the more common political issues you may face at work and then move to the
more extreme.
As a
starting point you sense that not everyone is pure in their motives and that
you may be used by another to advance their cause, mistreated, and lied about.
You are not interested in advancing yourself but rather you want to be protected
from others and you simply wish to defend yourself. What are some tactics you
can use?
One of the
most powerful ways to defend yourself from other coworkers, complaints, disciplinary
action, termination, and lawsuits is by keeping good documentation.
Email
Email is an excellent tool for documenting. Here are some
basic guidelines for using email.
·
Always date
·
Time
·
Location
·
Who was involved?
·
Names of all witnesses
·
Use direct quotes. Put them in quotation marks.
·
Write a brief factual account of what happened.
Avoid opinions.
·
Send email as soon as possible.
·
Send a copy to yourself and print a hard copy to
take home.
·
If you were disciplined or had a meeting with a
supervisor document the meeting just as stated above. T
Regardless of who you are sending the email to end with a
sentence such as:
·
Have I accurately summarized the main points
from our meeting? If not please let me know in writing or
·
I believe that this email is accurate; if it is
not, please let me know.
·
Can I assume that this situation is now
resolved? If not, please let me know.
The power here is that you are taking a verbal conference
with someone and making it evidence instead of a case of “he said, she said.”
Audio
Recording
In most
states it is legal to record a conversation if one person involved in it is
aware and consenting. With smart phones you always have a recording device. Record
conferences, meetings, discussions with others about the facts of an incident
that support your position. This not only keeps an accurate record, but the
person is also more likely in conversation to be more candid. In the case that
you are discriminated against or other illegal or improper behavior occurs you
have proof. Furthermore, if somebody lies about what happened you can catch them
in lie and their credibility is damaged.
Records
Keep all
handouts, records, write ups, and so on at home.
Reputation
Maintaining your reputation is crucial. I heard G. Gordon Liddy, one of
the Watergate burglars say that he could come to the town you lived in and ruin
your reputation. How? By simply accusing you of something. About half the
people will believe it and half will not. Most everyone will question and think
about it.
To protect your reputation be reliable, honest, admit when you are wrong,
and be true to your word. Avoid gossip or manipulation. If people get to know you,
they will stand by you when an accusation does not line up with who you are. Also,
keeping documentation, recordings, witness names, and records you may have collected
evidence that will exonerate your good name.
When it comes to intentional false attacks on your character and
reputation you must protect yourself or be labeled falsely in any number of
cruel ways.
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