Using Politics Negatively

We’ve explored a number of ways in which workplace politics can be used positively to both your advantage and the advantage of everyone else. That’s awesome. However, there are many negative ways that you can engage in workplace politics that will at best result in conflict and at worst have a negative impact on your career. Let’s look at what not to do.

Misuse of power

While your new-found managerial seniority may allow you to just tell people what to do, without winning hearts and minds, you’ll gradually erode your respect in the eyes of your peers and ultimately your influence. I like to imagine each manager having an energy bar, like in a video game, that is depleted when a controversial override on a decision is made or an unpopular direct order is issued. You must use overrides tactically and sparingly. The bar replenishes when you move forward with your team in a congruent manner where they are motivated to ...