The power of office politics

It is a well-known fact that the majority of information passed through an organization goes through informal channels such as gossip or informal meetings at the water cooler. This fact is important for all new hires to consider when entering their first full-time positions. \nMany recent hires go into an organization with an excessive level of ambition. Their desire to get into the company and prove themselves through what they have learned throughout college is remarkable. Hard work, long hours and performance are expected to land you a promotion, right? \nNot necessarily. Are you familiar with the term "office politics?" \nIf you're not, here's a crash course. \nOffice politics refers to the interaction among staff members within an organization in either formal or informal situations. The effects of these interactions can either be productive or harmful for an individual seeking that coveted promotion. \nCarolyn Wiethoff, the honors management professor for the Kelley School of Business, describes office politics as "the real power structure." She stresses the importance of office politics by emphasizing the power that comes with favoritism in an office. \nWiethoff said there are four main elements that affect office politics in today's business world. \nFirst, office politics is centered on the "power of relationships." Informal relationships speak volumes about your character and integrity. If you are seen working with a rising star, supervisors are likely to see you as ambitious. However, if a supervisor sees you associating with the office "slacker," you may soon find yourself with an unfavorable nickname as well. \nSecond, your position in the political office hierarchy is based on the projects you are assigned to work on. The more difficult the projects, the more responsibility you are given. With this responsibility comes a level of confidence from supervisors. Additionally, Wiethoff describes the "centrality of power" as your leverage against co-workers in fighting for a promotion based on the importance of the projects you are working on and how "central" they are to the key functions of the business. \nThird is the "power in affection." Simply put, how likeable are you? Wiethoff said office politics are often seen as a popularity contest in which the office can feel like a junior-high playground. The more popular you are or become, the more leverage you will have for moving up the corporate ladder. \nFinally, there is the "power of mentorship." Wiethoff said the power of your mentor within an organization can increase your power through association. Particularly, a mentor can give you leverage by providing you with advice that a manager cannot legally give you. "A manager can only tell you so much legally," Wiethoff said, "but a mentor can be candid and tell you what you need to get ahead."\nUltimately, office politics can carry you to the top or tie you to the bottom. However, Wiethoff explains that being aware of your office's dynamics, understanding the give-and-take of informal relationships and being sincere in your relationships can all help you overcome obstacles in your climb to the top.