Louellen Essex

Co-authored by Louellen Essex and Mitchell Kusy<br />
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Being political is essential in today's workplace. Whether you're a manager or rank-and-file employee, if you refuse to play the game or resist getting good at ityou'll miss out on important opportunities and even be mistrusted or ignored. Here are nine do-or-die tips for playing office politicsthe right way. <br />
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 -  Identify the power holders. <br />
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Who do others look up toand why? Know who the power brokers are in your organization, and you have important insights for navigating an often complex web of relationships. <br />
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 -  Tailor your work style. <br />
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How is success measured in your company, and what types of approaches and behaviors are most rewarded? The better your working style fits the organization, the more influential you will be. <br />
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 -  Be an expert. <br />
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Develop an indispensable set of knowledge and skillsthings that are not available elsewhereand you gain expert power. This clout and credibility will serve you well, especially in times of political upheaval. <br />
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 -  Recognize others. <br />
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Be generous with recognition and rewards, as well as opportunities for involvement. If you're not in a formal position of power, find other meaningful ways to assist or support people. <br />
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 - Use your influence wisely.<br />
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You do have influenceand, yes, powereven if you don't realize it. Whether that influence is formal or informal, use your power to give tonot take away fromthe people around you. <br />
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 - Develop a network. <br />
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Building a strong network is critical. Develop key relationships, and you can secure access to vital "insider information and really make things happen.<br />
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 - Be respectedand respectful.<br />
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Give respect, and you will get respect. This "referent power comes from being genuinely liked and looked up to, and for having a reputation as someone with whom everyone wants to work.<br />
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 -  Mind your alliances. <br />
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Be cautious about aligning with a single faction. By alienating yourself from other groups, you could hinder or hurt your own position, especially in times of transition.<br />
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 -  Work with your enemies. <br />
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Listen to your foes as much as your friends. It's easy to stick close to your alliesespecially in difficult, politically charged timesbut ignoring your enemies is a political mistake that can lead to closed doors and missed opportunities.