Black Belt Productivity

As we continue in John C. Maxwell’s book The 360° Leader, we are talking about leading across. Lead-Across Principle #4 is to avoid politics in the office.

Anyone who works in an office with more than two levels of management, and more than 10 people knows about office politics. We have all been sickened by it. And in spite of that fact, some of us have participated in it..sometimes unknowingly.

There are two ways to get ahead in your career. One is to depend on politics. The other is to depend on production. It is obvious that those who depend on production, for the most part, become a rock for their leaders. These mid-level leaders always become better than they appear. Those who play the game, appear better than they are.

So, how do we avoid the pitfall of becoming a player, and not a gamer?

1. Avoid Gossip. Office gossip is one of the most divisive things that can happen in any organization. It is key that we not only avoid passing gossip at the water cooler, but we also need to avoid even receiving it. Remember, those who talk to you about someone else, will also talk to someone else about you.

2. Stay Away from Petty Arguments. It is very important that we be wise in choosing our battles. If we push the buttons on everything we do not agree with, it can hurt us. We can also get hurt when we do not stand up for anything. It is a sign of maturity when one knows what is petty, and what is not.

3. Stand Up for What’s Right, Not Just What’s Popular. We cannot change our tune based on who we are talking to. Trust is very important. Use the “Golden Rule” to determine what is right. Almost every religion has some form of the “Golden Rule” as a fundamental part of its belief system.

4. Look at All Sides of the Issue. It is sometimes difficult to see a perspective other than ours. However, if we are to put the team first, it is vital that we allow ourselves to see the big picture and be willing to place ourselves in another paradigm to analyze an issue.

5. Do Not Protect Your Turf. Politics is about power. Power is about protecting turf. Protecting turf is NOT about teamwork or success (except for the individual protecting the turf). 360° Leaders know that to truly lead across, they must put the team first.

6. Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say. In order to be an effective leader, trust must be built with those with whom you work. To develop trust, you must be more than competent, you must also display integrity and be consistent.

The game of office politics is not winnable. Oh, one may win a few battles along the way. Eventually, however, those who play the game alienate those around them. Once this happens, it is impossible to win.

-Jason