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The word politics has a dark connotation. Yet the definition and practice of politics is simply the ‘process of developing a consensus’. The darker interpretation has come about by some of the less direct and unsavoury tactics and behaviours of those more interested in the outcome at the expense of the relationship, the concensus-creating process or the basis of, and for, reaching agreements.
Politic behaviour is social behaviour. It’s inevitable in any group that has a shared interest in something and there are choices of how to achieve some outcome. The question is whether constructive or destructive political behaviour ensues, and which dominates the decision-making process to choose and create the outcome?
Political behaviour and processes occur in every business organisation. It can be huge force for good - when it’s often considered to be ‘good leadership’ - or it can be destructive and morale sapping. It can occur on a 1:1 basis, or in and between small and larger groups. It occurs at every level from the Board down to the front line. How it is practised is part of the cultural norms of the organisation. It may be overt or assumption-based behaviour or done covertly. It can be harnessed to help the organisation or it can be ignored in the hope that is has no negative impact, although hope is not a good strategy.
Politics, Stakeholders & Change
Political behaviour always occurs when there is a significant choice to be made. That choice can be on what to change and/or how to change - and who will control and lead and/or be involved in the change - and who will gain or lose from the change. Politics and change are two sides of the same coin. Trying to engage with change and ignoring the political issues, structures and processes involved significantly increase the likelihood of change failure.
As the word ‘politics’ has developed an unjustified reputation as a 'bad’ behaviour, people have sought to use other words to describe the necessity of seeking consensus - such as ‘Stakeholder Management’. The problem with this is that political behaviours - good and bad - still then ensue, but the recognition of the need for the skills, tools and understanding required are then ignored.
Victim or Master of the Politics Process..?
A well developed understanding of how political behaviours work, and the basis and framework for exercising them, is mandatory for anyone who wants to be an effective leader. The ability to motivate people positively and reach consensus on a win-win basis is a core executive skill for anyone who wants to succeed in business. It is a mandatory skill for anyone who wants to be a Change Leader.
We provide individuals, groups and teams a deep understanding of politics: the structures, the frameworks, the processes and the foundations for developing a healthy positive environment. We also address the reasons why negative political behaviours occur, the key negative behaviour patterns, the basis and reasons for them - and how to detect and counter them:
- understand the links between politics, influence, persuasion and coercion
- identify differences that prevent effective group or team work
- understand how to reconcile differences without compromise or giving way
- understand the basis and causes of negative political behaviours
- explore the levers, mechanisms and patterns of political behaviour
- explore the ‘dark side’ of political behaviour and learn how to deal with it effectively
You can either master organisational politics or be mastered by it. If you need to know more...
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