Resources

1. MODULEOn the JobLESSONShaking Hands and Kissing Babies: Politics is a Reality in the Workplace– Part 2

2. Resources Pre-Quiz Self-assessment Situational Judgment Questions Video Link RPC

3. Think and Discuss Describe positive politics. Why is networking an important part of “playing” politics?

4. Lesson Rationale: Is it possible to avoid workplace politics altogether? No. Is it possible to participate in workplace politics in such a way that you can look at yourself in the mirror and not feel slimy or crooked? Yes! Even though some people engage in dirty or negative political maneuvers, there are many successful employees that practice effective and positive workplace politics. According to a corporate manager in our anecdote, positive politics involves being courteous and aware of others’ needs. It is helping others without asking for anything in return while still excelling at your own job. No lies, no games, no backstabbing, just working hard and being helpful to others. In response, the best people in the organization will respect you and offer to help you. Soon after implementing the corporate manager’s advice, you are not working alone, but working in concert with likeminded coworkers to achieve your workplace goals. Suddenly work is more enjoyable and satisfying. More compliments come your way, and eventually your name comes up for a promotion. Because of your positive politics, no one tries to backstab you and derail your promotion. And on it goes. But to do this effectively, one needs to get to know one’s coworkers and find ways to be helpful – thus networking is a central part of positive politics. This second part of the workplace politics lesson concentrates on positive politics. You will learn the central role of networking in positive political behavior. Activities give you a chance to network within the school environment and identify connections with people via mutual friends or coworkers. You can take a self-assessment to learn about your own skills in positive politics. Ultimately, you can learn that positive politics is not only possible, but enjoyable and helpful to others as well as yourself.

5. Key Words • Courtesy • Decency • Political Maneuvers • Connections • Venues

6. Exercise 1: Positive Politics Pre-Quiz 1. “Dirty” Politics in the workplace consist of: a. Backstabbing b. Negotiations c. Lying and cheating d. Loyalty e. Only A and C f. All of the above 2. If done effectively, political maneuvers can help you achieve everything from extra office supplies to a big promotion. True False 3. Effective or “positive” politics in the workplace means: a. Knowing how to fit in b. Knowing how to influence people c. Knowing how to gain trust d. Knowing how to earn power e. All of the above f. None of the above

7. 4. People who engage in “dirty” politics often ________. a. Lie, cheat, and steal b. Earn trust c. Make many friends d. Work hard and earn respect e. All of the above 5. You use positive politics in your classroom everyday. True False 6. In order to get what you truly want at work, you must _______; in order to do that, you must have _________; in order to get that, you must _______ at work. a. complain; a bad temper; sleep b. cheat; a lack of integrity; slack off c. negotiate; power; excel d. use other people; ruthlessness in your soul; be sleazy e. None of the above

8. 7. Identify the scenarios in which effective politics could be useful: a. When asking for a raise b. When trying to improve your work conditions c. When trying to get more resources for your projects d. When asking for more employees to help you get a job done e. When asking the secretary to do a favor for you f. All of the above 8. Working hard and helping others succeed is one of the best ways to make a strong political impact. True False 9. Effective politics in the classroom does NOT include: a. Negotiating for extra time to finish a report b. Convincing other students to join your book report group c. Offering to help someone with his/her homework d. Sitting in the back row and being inattentive

9. 10. Effective politics in the classroom and workplace need which two qualities to sprout and grow: a. Positive attitude and strong work ethic b. Powerful friends and lots of money c. Heartless soul and no tolerance for losers d. Good ideas and lots of energy e. Obedience and lack of direction

10. Quote “The successful person doesn’t use other people, other people use the successful person. For, above all, the success is service.” - FDR Quote – Think About It 1. How can you implement this quote to be successful? Identify three strategies. 2. How do you feel when you are helping others, serving others? Do you enjoy this role? How would the person who is successful in positive workplace politics feel about this role?

11. Anecdote While I was working my way through my career, I noticed that the best way to play an effective political game was simply this: “Be courteous and aware of everyone’s needs.” Using common courtesy, respect, and decency with others really does go a long way. Putting others’ needs, feelings, and concerns ahead of yours, while still excelling at your own job, will help you influence people and earn their trust, respect, and even friendship. If this happens, you will invariably attract the best people toward you. Decent, successful, high-caliber people recognize quality when they see it, and we all know that when you help others without asking anything in return, good things will come your way. That is effective and positive politics. No games. No lies. No backstabbing. In my opinion, students need to realize that loyalty, trust, and friendship are the glues that bind effective politics together. Honest Abe Lincoln used positive politics to unite this great country when it was divided by civil war. He also accomplished more in his brief presidency than most presidents achieved in two terms. The point is this: Honest Abe won the trust and support of most people in the U.S. by being kind, helpful, sincere, and trustworthy. You can do the same at school and in the workplace. Effective politics is all about being surrounded by people who respect, admire, and trust you – but you have to earn it by helping them without asking for anything in return. - A corporate manager

12. Anecdote – Think About It 1. What would a person who is engaged in negative unethical politics say about the strategy advocated in the anecdote? Why would that person be wrong? 2. Think of a successful person that you admire. Has he or she behaved as the corporate manager suggests? If so, is your admiration connected to the way that this person didn’t ask for anything in return? 3. What actions can you take to adopt this strategy in your own life?

13. Video Link RPC – Think About It 1. What is the sister’s motivation for helping her brother? Does she expect something in return? If so, what? 2. Why do you think that she was able to have a positive outcome in the conversation with the teacher and he was not? 3. What should the brother learn from this experience? 4. How is this vignette similar to and different from a workplace scenario?

14. PROCESSING STAGE 1: QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW: 1. How did you feel when you were shaking hands and saying “Hello” to your classmates? 2. Did you feel nervous or confident when you stated your name and favorite class? 3. Why do you think it is important to share information with someone you’ve just met? 4. When you talked to other students about what classes they found to be interesting, was it easy or difficult? Why? Why not? 5. Tell the class some facts you learned about one person you met during this exercise. What does he/she like about his/her favorite class? What do the two of you have in common? 6. Why is it important to find common ground with people you have just met? 7. Do you think positive politics can be started by sitting in your chair and waiting for people to come to you? Why not?

15. PROCESSING STAGE 2: QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW: 1. How did you feel approaching complete strangers and introducing yourself? 2. Even though the person you approached to meet is a part of your school, did you still feel like a stranger? Why or why not? 3. How did the person act when you introduced yourself? Surprised? Confused? Shocked? Happy? Why do you think he/she acted that way? 4. Were you able to ask your new acquaintance interesting questions about him/her? Were your questions appropriate and not too personal? Did your questions help the conversation flow? 5. Did you get into a short conversation with this person you just met? Why or why not? 6. Did you find any common interests or connections between you and your new acquaintance? If yes, what? If not, why not?

16. 7. Discuss the “connections” other teams may have found with their new acquaintances. How much did each student learn about the people they met? 8. How do you imagine this exercise will help you once you are in the workforce? 9. Discuss the importance of knowing people and how it can help you (and them) achieve common goals.

17. Stage 3 – Narration This final stage in the construction of a positive politics foundation involves getting involved with your “Connections.” Now, we are on the last of the three stages of building a foundation for positive politics. In this stage, you are supposed to nurture your new contacts. Like watering a plant, you ask nothing, but at some point, you are rewarded with a beautiful flower. Just like that plant, your political contacts need attention or they will wither away. For example, once each month, you should stop by your contact’s desk or office to say “HELLO”. Phone calls are OK; emails are a lazy way to get it done; but nothing beats a personal visit. You don’t have to spend more than five minutes with the person. Just say “HI” and give the person an update on something interesting the two of you have in common. Also, ask how he/she is doing. Talk about a local sports team. Whatever comes to mind is OK, but make it friendly and quick. “Why bother?” you might ask; because it keeps you fresh in the mind of your contact. You are perceived as friendly and thoughtful when you make these visits. You are keeping in touch, and with every visit you learn more about your contact. As you learn more, you can share more ideas and thoughts and find more commonalities. Once you’ve done this, you can begin to do helpful things for your contact. For example, let’s

18. say you learned that your contact is interested in cell phone video games and you recently read an interesting magazine article on the subject. Make a copy and email it or send it over to his/her desk with a note that reads: “THOUGHT YOU WOULD FIND THIS INTERESTING.” It’s that easy. Looking out for a person’s interests is a great way to build political trust and loyalty. As time goes by, you might volunteer to help him/her on a project that he/she is working on that also interests you. This is the type of nurturing that will help both of you establish a positive political alliance.

19. PROCESSING STAGE 3: QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW: 1. What are your initial thoughts/reactions to “giving people assistance without asking for anything in return?” 2. Do you think that if you give too much of your time or are too generous it could make your contacts feel uneasy? Why? How? 3. What is the critical ingredient to giving so others don’t think you are “after something?” HINT: Common interests and common ground = Being genuine. 4. When you are nurturing a positive political alliance, should you take into consideration how you might help this person politically or should you just focus on yourself? Why or why not? 5. How would you summarize what you’ve learned about the three stages of establishing a positive political environment?

20. QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: 1. How many people in class share similar friends / acquaintances? 2. How many people in class have friends who also know someone else from class? 3. Are there any connections in class that students didn’t know existed? Describe. 4. Now that you know who is connected to whom, how do you think this could be helpful? 5. Can you see how some of these connections might benefit you or other people on the list? How? 6. If Sally wanted to join the chess club, but didn’t know how, and if she just found out that Tyrone, her classmate is in the chess club, how could Sally use his connections to her political benefit? 7. What if you made a list like this with co-workers from your first job? Would it be helpful to a new employee? In what ways?

21. Positive Politics Self-Assessment 1. I think power is the best way to politically influence people. HOW CLOSELY DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? Not at all Just a little Very close Right on! 1 2 3 4 2. I think that asking for favors is for wimps, you should tell people what you want them to do. HOW CLOSELY DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? Not at all Just a little Very close Right on! 1 2 3 4 3. I think that networks of people are unnecessary if you have lots of political power. HOW CLOSELY DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? Not at all Just a little Very close Right on! 1 2 3 4

22. 4. I believe that if you do something good for someone at work, then that person owes you. HOW CLOSELY DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? Not at all Just a little Very close Right on! 1 2 3 4 5. I believe that kindness has no room in workplace politics. HOW CLOSELY DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? Not at all Just a little Very close Right on! 1 2 3 4 6. I don’t think that persuading someone to be politically connected to you is necessary if you have a powerful position inside the company. HOW CLOSELY DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? Not at all Just a little Very close Right on! 1 2 3 4

23. 7. Having a strong work ethic has nothing to do with developing political alliances. HOW CLOSELY DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? Not at all Just a little Very close Right on! 1 2 3 4 8. Being outgoing and assertive are not important in being politically successful at work. HOW CLOSELY DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? Not at all Just a little Very close Right on! 1 2 3 4

24. Tabulate Your Score to the Positive Politics Self-Assessment • QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT: • 1. In which areas of POSITIVE POLITICS from the Assessment are you strongest? Weakest? • 2. How do you explain this?

25. Journal your responses to the following questions: • 1. Describe positive politics. • 2. Why is networking an important part of “playing” politics?

26. Final Thoughts: Make no mistake! You will see both positive and negative forms of politics in the workplace. In order to succeed in the workplace, you have to understand the dynamics of political game playing. Remember, the game does not mean that we compromise our actions in unethical behavior. We are not advocating illegal politics! It is important to be armed with an understanding we all play politics in the workforce and we cannot walk into a workplace setting ignorant of that fact.

27. Shaking Hands and Kissing Babies - Part 2: Positive Politics – Situational Judgment Questions • 1. Crystal has just been hired as an apprentice at Jonathan’s Hair Salon in Beverly Hills. She is a quick learner and wants to become one of Jonathan’s top hair dressers. What is the best way for her to accomplish her goal? • a. Tell Jonathan about how wonderful he is as a hair dresser. • b. Always arrive at the salon on time; keep work area clean and organized; be courteous and professional to the clients and other employees. • c. Tell Jonathan about one of the weaker hairdressers and try to get them fired so you have a position. • d. Do the minimal amount of training and work possible because ultimately you know how to cut hair better then anyone there. • e. Develop a reputation as a lazy complainer at the hair salon.

28. 2. Clara is interested in becoming a top sales person in the Tire Department of MEGA MART. She has been working there for 1 year and she really likes the job. She has many coworkers in the Tire Department who make better sales numbers and she wants to catch up to them and maybe, one day become a sales manager. The problem is that everyone on the sales team is very competitive and they don’t want to show her their secrets to success. What should Clara do in order to learn how to be a more effective sales person? • a. She should go out and sign up for an expensive sales seminar. • b. She should ask the guys in the Tire Department’s sales area to help her and not be afraid of sharing their secrets. • c. She should ask her boss to mentor her and help her become a better sales person. • d. She should ask the sales people in the TV department to teach her some tricks of the trade. • e. She should quit because any company that does not help its sales people is not worth working for.

29. 3. Enrique has been working in the corporate office of Great Toy Warehouse for six months. It is a large facility with hundreds of employees. Even after six months, he feels that he doesn’t know anyone. The company picnic is coming up, but Enrique doesn’t feel like going because he doesn’t know more than a handful of people and he thinks it will be awkward. What should Enrique do? • a. Tell his boss that he can’t make the picnic because of a family obligation • b. Stop by the picnic for a few minutes to “put in an appearance” and then leave. • c. Go to the picnic but stay close to the few people he knows and leave when they leave. • d. Go to the picnic even if he doesn’t want to, with the goal of having a nice time and meeting some other people in the organization. • e. Find out ahead of time if anyone he knows will be going and arrange to arrive at the same time.