Handling Office Politics

Office Politics: How to Beat 'Machiavellian' Politicking at Work and Get Your Work Done Ethically

Course Outline by Dana Harris

Course Overview

Office politics are something we all must deal with, to a certain extent Australia wide, whether in a small Perth based startup or a huge corporate office everywhere from Perth to Tasmania. This course is all about unlocking the mysteries of workplace dynamics and making the most of these key relationships, in a professional and ethical manner. Instead of enabling manipulation or manipulation, the programme forges a deep grounded application in the way influence, power, and relationships really work in a contemporary Organisation.

Attendees will hone their ability to spot informal power networks, develop genuine professional relationships, and defend themselves against political landmines all while keeping their souls intact. The programme focuses on learning to work with human nature rather than against it, and helps professionals to get ahead in their careers without sacrificing their values.

Curriculum Based Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Map the power dynamics within the working environment and find the informal decision makers in addition to org charts

Create real partnership opportunity, mutually beneficial to all parties

Use conflict resolution strategies in politically volatile work environment

Consider ethical limits in negotiating between competing obligations and allegiances

Utilise impactful communication techniques for managing upward, downward, and laterally within your Organisation

Develop individual strategies for wielding professional influencing with ethics

What You Will Learn

Module 1: The Political Setting

Auten: Mapping the 'real not formal' power structure in the Company

Identifying decision makers, influencers, and gatekeepers

Acknowledging diverse political styles and motivations

Knowing how knowledge gets transmitted through informal networks

Module 2: Establishing Genuine Professional Relationships

Building real relationships across departments and boxes on the organisational chart

NO MORE COLD CALLING Networking techniques that build mutual benefit

Cutting through the noise to develop trust and leave an impression without coming off as manipulative

How to stay connected professionally during transitions

Module 3: Navigating Difficult Situations

Dealing with gossip, rumours or workplace drama with maturity

Balancing the interests of different stakeholders

Coping with credit stealing and attribution matters

Neutrality in war, with self interest prevention

Module 4: Ethics Positioning and Influence

How to put yourself (and your ideas) in PowerPoint, How to position yourself and your ideas for success Follow @ RobBiesenbach I can think of some exceptions, but most of the great speakers of our time are not that great when it comes to prioritising the time and effort to prepare their PowerPoint slides.

Establishing personal authority by being good and dependable

Providing and receiving feedback in the context of sensitive political surroundings

managing the cases of unethical and discriminatory behaviour.

Module 5: Advanced Political Navigation

"Managing up" when your bosses are the political issues

Allying without looking schemey

Protecting yourself from political retaliation

November 13, 2018 Turning political obstacles into professional opportunities

Module 6: Upholding Integrity As You Advance

Setting personal and professional moral limits

Balancing assertiveness with collaboration

Contribute to a positive work culture in pursuit of career goals.

Sustainable career growth strategies for the long run

Assessment Methods

Case study analysis of scenarios at work

Political Role Playing Activities

Personal reflection tasks on current cases from the place of work

Design of an action plan for direct workplace implementation

Course Duration

2 day workshop or 6 week (2hrs/week) intensive workshop

Summary

This course changes how professionals interact in the workplace and perceive organisational behaviour. Not to be out manoeuvred by office politics, nor to be a victim of these politics, rather to be able to successfully traverse these muddy waters with both confidence and integrity. The content of the programme is a mix of theory followed by application at work, enabling the participants to use, what they have learnt and practiced.

The emphasis is on building meaningful relationships, making ethical decisions, and developing as a professional rather than playing games or politicising. Attendees walk away with tangible strategies to interpret dynamics in the workplace, form pivotal professional connections and drive career progression, while making a positive impact on their Organisation.

Crucially, this course acknowledges that getting office politics right isn't about being something you're not, it's about getting better at being who you already are inside the intricate social machinery of the modern office.