Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the subtle and overt complexities of navigating workplace politics and power dynamics. It can be utterly exhausting trying to juggle company hierarchy, a myriad of personalities, and IYKYK (if you know, you know) rules, all while still showing up authentically.
Understanding and working within the scope of your job’s politics is one of the first steps to bolstering your career success. Workplace politics often include unspoken guidelines that one is expected to adhere to but are seldom formally taught, and dealing with them can sometimes make you feel lost.
Today, I want to discuss tactics that set you up for success while encouraging you to stay true to yourself and your values.
Know Yourself
No matter the situation, it’s easy to lose yourself when you don’t understand who you are as an individual and what you believe. Staying grounded and aligned with what matters to you requires an in-depth knowledge of your values, passions, strengths, and worth.
If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to map out the things that matter to you, especially when it comes to work.
Here are a few prompts to get you started:
- How do you define success?
- Define what doing your best looks like to you.
- What lights you up and makes you feel fulfilled?
- Name the characteristics you value in others and yourself.
- Identify your non-negotiables for maintaining personal integrity.
I recommend writing down your findings to reference them when you’re feeling lost at work. Knowing these unique and personal aspects of yourself gives you a true north to return to when aspects of your job feel overwhelming.
Clarify Your Role’s Responsibilities
Understanding what’s expected of you is another effective strategy for staying grounded while navigating workplace politics. Seek clarity from your supervisor regarding your role’s specific responsibilities. Ask for this information in writing so you can refer to it often.
It’s been shown that nondominant identity groups often face shifting expectations over time and are held to a different set of standards than their white male counterparts. I’ve experienced situations like this, which can make you feel nuts. Cross-referencing your role’s official responsibilities and standards for excellence creates a foundation from which you can more easily navigate shifting expectations.
Understand Your Company’s Culture
The better you understand the dynamics at play, the more equipped you will be to navigate workplace politics tactfully. Every corporate culture is unique and multifaceted. Of course, some elements of culture are heavily communicated, making them easier to learn. But there are also unspoken expectations that might be more difficult to pick up on.
It can be highly valuable to identify someone you trust who knows the company culture inside and out and can clue you into any expectations you might be missing. For example, some companies host after-hours events, and while the invitations may be presented as optional, those who fail to attend are noticed, and their absences might undermine their success over time. Trends like this likely aren’t in the employee handbook yet, but they still impact your success.
Sharpen Your Awareness
My team often says I have a sixth sense when a client isn’t happy based on how they communicate (or don’t communicate) with us. The truth is I’ve developed this sense by staying alert and aware of those around me. I look out for meaningful patterns in how people communicate. My awareness also allows me to pick up on unspoken communication, such as body language or facial expressions.
Additionally, by staying alert to how others interact with one another, you can more easily identify the power dynamics at play. With all this data, you can take strategic action. I also find that paying attention significantly reduces the chance of feeling blindsided. Whatever comes your way, you likely already had a feeling something was up.
Clarity on your role and the company culture and understanding your values create a foundation for navigating workplace politics without losing yourself. By cross-referencing the data and observations you gather from yourself and others, you can operate from a place of confidence and stay grounded in your sense of self.