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So much of our success in the workplace has to do with how we put ourselves across to other people. It's part image and part people skills. Positive evaluations, raises, and promotions depend largely on workplace savvy - being "you at your best" while you're getting the job done.
A Few Do's And Don'ts To "Up Your Savvy"
Never Poke Your Boss In The Eye:
Not literally of course, although it goes without saying that the literal act would definitely show a lack of savvy. What we are talking about here is being critical of your boss with your peers and others where you work. No superior enjoys the feeling of being bad-mouthed, especially by his or her subordinates. And you can be sure, as people all have different motives, that someone will make sure the boss knows what is being said.
Don't Tango Alone:
When you feel your idea is absolutely the best idea, you may decide that others will just have to realize it too, and adapt. You may think it really isn't necessary to take the time to explain to others what you are doing, even if the idea concerns their jobs. Getting everyone's agreement will just slow the process down. This single-minded attention to your own area of responsibility has the added impact of making your peers suspicious of your real motives, wondering what you are really up to. At a minimum it will brand you as a loner rather than a team player.
Don't Say You Won't Play:
It's not a good idea to immerse yourself in company politics, but it's also not a good idea to act "holier than thou" about staying out of them. Everyone knows that company politics are usually bad. Posing , positioning and backstabbing get in the way of real performance on the job. If the game is to get the other guy, there is no team work. However, it's best not to be abrasive when someone tries to pull you into the game. Show that you are concentrating on results and not trying to win anyone's favor. Stand clear of the struggle, but don't be superior about it.
Watch Your Sharp Elbows:
Wanting to get ahead is considered a good thing. It shows you have career goals, and a sense of personal direction. If the boss doesn't know you are anxious to get ahead, you might be overlooked. But "easy does it" is a phrase to keep in mind. Too much ambition scares people and makes them distrust you. Peers become uncomfortable with the overly ambitious person, and will begin to try to ease you out. Remember to spread the glory when you are recognized for doing a good job. No doubt you got help somewhere along the way, so be sure to mention the efforts of others. Ask for co-workers input, and give credit for good ideas that weren't yours. Treat those around you like people, not like competitors.
Don't Wear Your Pajamas To Work:
There's plenty of truth to the expression "dress for success". How you look when you come to work says a lot about your confidence, your feelings about your job, and your sense of competence. Go unpressed, unwashed, slouchy, or even sleazy, and others won't take you seriously. At the same time, don't think that a slick faade is all you need to succeed. There has to be substance behind that expensive suit or outfit. Incompetence is hard to hide in the long run.
Never Scribble On The Walls And Sign Your Name:
Don't make a point of criticizing the attitudes, values, or approaches of the powers that be. If you are totally against the way an organization functions, you are better off looking for a job that suits your work style. Complaining and dragging your feet on assignments will only make you look bad and cause co-workers to devalue what you say. Purposely performing your job poorly is a tactic that will backfire. You will miss out on that raise or promotion, and you won't change others to see things your way. If given an assignment, always do the best job you can do. Being savvy at work includes accepting that no job is perfect, and working with other people always requires give and take.
Know When To Ride With Your Boss:
When the boss asks staff to suggest solutions for a problem, or ideas for a project, recognize that once he or she chooses among all the ideas put forward, you need to support the decision. Take the route your boss wants just because he/she wants it. It isn't important to be right all the time, in fact it isn't humanly possible. Sometimes showing savvy at work means knowing when to be supportive of another's decisions.
Additional Resources
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Simon & Schuster, 1989. $12.00 paperback.
Winning Office Politics by Andrew Dubrin. Prentice Hall, 1990. $13.95 paperback.
Professional Presence by Susan Bixler. Perigree Books, 1992. $13.95 paperback.
In addition we recommend two related CopeLines: Difficult People and Take a Reality Check.
Written by Marcy King
CopeLine is published by COPE, Inc.
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Washington, DC 20005
(202) 628-5100
1-800-247-3054
This material may be reproduced without permission provided that it is not modified or altered in any way and acknowledgment is made to COPE, Inc.
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© Copyright 1998 COPE, Incorporated.
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