How to Play Clean Office Politics

Most people think that office politics is bad for business. Nothing could be further from the truth. Office politics are an integral part of getting things done, regardless of whether you’re the CEO, a salesperson, or an intern working over the summer. The word “politics” comes from the Greek politikos which means “of, for, or relating to citizens.” Far from being something negative, it is the art and science of influencing people when there are more than two people involved. This post describes a four-step approach to office politics that doesn’t resort to tricks or deception (aka “dirty politics,” which IS bad for business.) (MORE: Putting Together a Compelling Presentation on Your Company) Step 1 – Uncover and Understand Needs Playing politics consists of balancing the needs of multiple people so that they can come together to make a decision. In business, there are four general types of needs: Personal needs reflect the personality of the individual and what that individual expects and wants out of the work experience, such as recognition, compensation, challenge, amusement, sexual fulfillment, and so forth. Career needs consist of the individual’s plans to achieve those personal need by moving through different jobs and different companies. Career needs emerge out of personal needs. For example, a need to be in the limelight is a personal need; the need to become a “head programmer” in order to be in the limelight is a career need. Job needs consist of the resources that individuals require in order to advance their career needs and personal needs. For example, in order for the title of “head programmer” to be meaningful, there must be a staff of programmers to head. Organizational needs are the sum total of the job needs of the individuals within a group. For example, in order for there to be a “head programmer” and a staff of programmers to head, the organization might need a new computer and new software for the programmers to program. Once you understand your own needs (on various levels) and the needs

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