Office Politics for Managers

2 Days

Introduction

You have likely experienced some form of office politics. Working with different personalities, opinions, backgrounds, and values is a challenge in any environment. It is an inevitable fact that when people are working together, personalities can and will clash. No one is an island, so working together as a team is incredibly important for the organisation and every employee.

Our Office Politics course is about creating and maintaining better relationships. It is about communicating and working with your peers and colleagues in a way that is mutually beneficial. Employees who understand the positive aspects of office politics are better team members and end up being more successful and productive.

Programme Objectives:

• Understand the purpose and benefits of office politics.
• Setting boundaries and ground rules for new employees.
• Learn to interact and influence among colleagues.
• Learn how to manage various personality types in the office.
• Determine how to gain support and effectively network.
• Recognise how you are a part of a group and how you function.

Method and Approach

This programme will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice, appropriate videos and appropriate video material.

The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for managers who wish to gain a better understanding of office politics and how they may be able to use such behaviour to improve work environment and productivity.

Course Content

This two-day course will cover the following subjects:

Module One: Getting Started

• Introduction to the course
• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: New Hires

• Company Core Values
• Building Relationships
• Encourage Respect
• Setting Ground Rules
• Case Study
• Module Two: Review Questions

Module Three: It’s About Interacting and Influencing

• Dealing with Different Personalities
• Build a Culture of Collaboration
• Be Nice to Everyone (Not Just Those That Can Help You)
• Be a Team Player
• Case Study
• Module Three: Review Questions

Module Four: Dealing With Rumors, Gossip, and Half-Truths

• It’s Effects on Moral
• Reinforce the Truth with Facts
• Do Not Participate
• Deal With it Swiftly
• Case Study
• Module Four: Review Questions

Module Five: Office Personalities (I)

• Complainer
• Gossiper
• Bully
• Negative Ned/Nancy
• Case Study
• Module Four: Review Questions

Module Six: Office Personalities (II)

• Information Keeper
• Know-it-All
• The Apple-Polisher
• Nosey Neighbor
• Case Study
• Module Six: Review Questions

Module Seven: Getting Support for Your Projects

• Gain Trust Through Honesty
• Be Assertive
• Blow Your Own Horn
• Make Allies
• Case Study
• Module Seven: Review Questions

Module Eight: Conflict Resolution

• The Importance of Forgiveness
• Neutralising Emotions
• The Benefits of a Resolution
• The Agreement Frame
• Case Study
• Module Eight: Review Questions

Module Nine: Ethics

• Benefits of an Ethical Environment
• Lead by Example
• Ensuring Ethical Behavior
• Addressing Unethical Behavior
• Case Study
• Module Nine: Review Questions

Module Ten: You Are Not an Island

• Never Burn a Bridge
• Take the High Road
• Trust is a Two Way Street
• Don’t Hide in Your Office
• Case Study
• Module Ten: Review Questions

Module Eleven: Social Events Outside of Work

• How to Decline Politely
• Rules When Attending
• Meeting New People
• Conversation Do’s and Don’ts
• Case Study
• Module Eleven: Review Questions

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations