How to build influence when you hate “org politics”.
A common coaching conversation I have with clients goes something like this:
"I'm trying to achieve x, y, and z in my organization, but I'm having trouble getting people on board."
As we dig deeper we often find three things.
They haven't identified their key stakeholders.
There’s no strategy for influencing them.
They view #1 and #2 as "org politics", which they "just don't do."
"Politics" according to Wikipedia is "the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status."
But to most of us, the word immediately brings to mind dishonesty and manipulation.
No one wants to be a "politician." And no one wants to be accused of "playing politics."
I want you to distinguish between influence and "politics".
The bigger your role, the more important it is that you master the ability to influence others. And, you can do it in a way that is aligned with your values and principles.
Here's how.
Four strategies to strengthen your influence:
1. Develop transparent, trusting relationships.
You know how to do this. Communicate openly. Keep commitments. Be supportive. Practice the platinum rule, etc.
2. Get to know people deeply.
Have conversations that progress beyond the surface. Build a deep understanding of others' experiences and views.
3. Learn what motivates them.
What are their goals for themselves, their organizations, and their teams? What do they really want in their lives and careers? What gets them excited?
4. Look for win-win solutions.
Avoid binary thinking. It's not about how you win and others lose. It's about how you all win. Focus on collaborating rather than convincing others to agree with you.
Now that I think about it, these habits remind me of several of Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." "Think win-win." "Synergize."
We don't have to look too hard to realize that many have forgotten these habits recently.
We're “icked out” by governmental and organizational politics.
But can you imagine what it would be like if we followed these habits? The world would be a better place.
So, I encourage you to challenge your thinking about influence.
"Politics" is icky.
But influence is built on honest, trusting, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationships.