Your Survival Guide for Navigating Department Politics

Ever feel like you’re caught in the crossfire of workplace politics? In today’s episode, we’ll talk about navigating the tricky waters of organizational politics. We’ll explore how to maintain your integrity and possibly your job without getting sucked into the drama. Whether it’s dealing with conflicting priorities or understanding the unspoken rules, this episode has the tips you need to thrive in your role. Don’t miss it – your career could depend on it!

Show Intro

Welcome back to episode 19, and today, we’re discussing department politics. If you've been on the job for any length of time, you know that politics aren't just confined to elections or city hall. They play a big part in how departments operate and can significantly impact your day-to-day life.

Navigating the inevitable politics in your workplace can be awfully stressful. The topic for this episode was suggested by my podcast’s launch team. It seems to be a popular subject. I’ve been there, feeling caught between conflicting priorities and unspoken rules. The pressure to perform while managing relationships with supervisors and peers can be overwhelming. It’s tough to stay focused and maintain your integrity without getting dragged into the drama. But with the right strategies, you should be able to navigate these challenges effectively. So let’s take a look at some practical tips to help you manage the politics and come out on top.

You would have to be living under a rock and clueless if you never experienced office politics or had seen it in action.

Organizational politics is using power and social networking within an organization to achieve changes that benefit individuals or groups. It’s about navigating the unspoken rules, power dynamics, and alliances that exist in every workplace. Politics are unavoidable, but understanding them can help you make it through without getting yourself in too much trouble.

Definitions vary, but it refers to the actions individuals take within an agency, department, or any organization to gain advantage or influence. This can include forming alliances, using information as power, or maneuvering to get ahead.

Some examples are:

Favoritism: When certain employees receive special treatment due to personal relationships rather than merit.

Hidden Agendas: When colleagues or supervisors push for decisions that benefit them personally, often at the expense of others.

Power Struggles: When different groups or individuals compete for control over resources, decisions, or direction within the organization.

Not only have many of you experienced agency politics, but you’re part of a political agency or department. Sheriffs are elected, as are many police chiefs and some fire chiefs, depending on the municipality.

When that’s the case, many decisions are made that will benefit the current administration, whether it’s good for the rank and file or not.

I’ve heard of and witnessed many horror stories.

Maybe you’re up for a promotion you’ve worked hard for, but instead, it goes to someone less qualified who has a personal connection with someone in administration. This kind of favoritism can demoralize employees and create a toxic work environment. You might feel undervalued and question your future with the organization.

And what about the person who publicly backed a political rival, only to have the winner of the election, not the one backed, choose not to “re-hire” that person? Or did they keep their job and get bumped back down from an administrative rank to sergeant or something similar?

How can you navigate this potential minefield? The first thing I recommend is…

Get to know who makes the rules.

I know every department, and every agency has a chain of command. There’s the obvious chain of command, and there are those who influence those decisions. This isn't just about rank; it's about knowing who’s got whose ear. It’s about understanding the informal networks that exist within your department. You know, those relationships and dynamics that aren’t captured on organizational charts but still significantly influence decisions and day-to-day operations. You don’t want to be stuck wondering why certain decisions are made or feel blindsided by changes that seem to come out of nowhere.

What I’ve learned is that while you have to respect formal lines of authority, paying attention to these informal influencers can give you additional insights and ways to navigate department politics effectively. Sometimes, these key influencers can make or break your ability to get things done.

So how do you apply this understanding practically? Start by observing interactions at meetings or during shifts. Notice who people defer to when decisions need to be made or when they need advice. It’s also helpful to engage respectfully with these influencers. Ask questions, seek advice, and show genuine interest in their perspectives. This not only helps you build valuable relationships but also deepens your understanding of how things work beyond what's written down in the department manuals.

Also, Understand the Unspoken Rules. There’s policy and procedures, and there are unspoken rules. If you’ve been around long enough, you pretty well know most of them by now.

But God forbid you break one of these unspoken rules. The backlash can be almost as severe as breaking policy.

Remember, each department is unique. The dynamics at play in one place might not necessarily apply in another. So, you’ve got to stay observant and adaptable as you learn the ropes and figure out how to navigate this aspect of workplace politics effectively.

Build Positive Relationships

I’m not talking about being manipulative or glad-handing like you’re running for office. I’m just talking about being a good co-worker.

This might sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people overlook it. You don't have to be best friends with everyone, but showing respect and kindness can go a long way. Positive relationships can often be your best defense against politics because people are more likely to support someone they like and respect.

Building positive relationships goes beyond just being friendly. It involves actively fostering trust and respect among your colleagues. It means being a reliable team member, someone others can count on during tough calls and day-to-day tasks alike. But how exactly do you build these kinds of relationships? It's not just about being friendly; it's about actions that back up your words.

Be helpful. Actively listen. Pay attention when others are talking. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk; really hear what they’re saying and respond thoughtfully.

Show appreciation. Recognize the contributions of your team. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in making someone feel valued.

Be consistent. Trust is built through consistent actions over time. Be someone your colleagues can depend on day in and day out.

Address Conflicts Constructively: When disagreements arise, handle them with maturity and respect. Work for resolutions that strengthen relationships rather than strain them.

Relationships are the oil that keeps the engine of any department running smoothly. They can make the difference between a workplace where politics become a stumbling block and one where they serve as a stepping stone to getting things done. 

When people know they can depend on us, it makes interfacing with others much easier. 

Documentation is Your Friend is our third tip. 

It might feel tedious, but having a paper trail can protect you from misunderstandings or accusations later on. Keep notes on important conversations, decisions made during meetings, and any agreements or promises.

Documentation serves as a clear record that can be referenced later as to what was said, not only by you but by others as well. This isn't about being mistrustful; it's about ensuring there's a clear and accessible record for everyone involved. As I was always taught, “If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.”

Somebody I used to work with, let’s call him Eric, once found himself in a tricky situation where there was a misunderstanding over who was responsible for an important task during a major operation. And things went sideways. Eric was confident he had clarified his part during the briefing, but there was no record of the conversation, and memories varied among the team. Needless to say, he got hung out to dry.

Eric learned his lesson. He started keeping brief notes in a little notebook he carried around everywhere. Right after important conversations and meetings, he would jot down key points discussed, decisions made, and any specific responsibilities assigned, along with the date and time and anybody else who overheard the conversation.

It saved his bacon on more than one occasion.

Documentation isn’t just about covering your back; it’s a proactive strategy that promotes transparency and accountability. It pays to be detail-oriented and thorough—a valuable trait in any high-stakes profession.

Another thing is…

Pick Your Battles Wisely. 

Not every issue is worth going to war over. Focus your energy on matters that genuinely impact your work or well-being instead of getting involved in every little conflict.

Choosing your battles wisely means assessing the potential impact of a conflict before diving in. It involves asking yourself whether the issue at hand will matter in the long run, or if it’s simply a temporary frustration. It’s about distinguishing between what’s crucial for your professional responsibilities and what’s merely a matter of personal preference or minor inconvenience.

Here are some steps to help you pick your battles wisely:

Evaluate the Significance: Ask yourself how important this issue will be in a month, six months, or a year from now. If it won’t significantly affect your work life or career progression, it might not be worth the conflict.

Consider Timing: Sometimes, the context or timing isn’t right for addressing certain issues. Assess the current workplace climate—if there are bigger concerns at play, it might be wise to hold off on addressing minor issues.

Assess Impact: Think about the potential outcomes of engaging in a conflict. Will this likely lead to a positive change, or could it burn bridges unnecessarily?

Seek Advice: If you’re unsure about whether to push an issue, consult with a trusted mentor or colleague. Getting a second opinion can provide new perspectives and help you make a more informed decision.

Choose Strategy Over Emotion: It’s easy to react emotionally when you’re passionate about an issue. Try to approach conflicts strategically, considering what you aim to achieve and the best way to reach that outcome.

By picking your battles wisely, you not only conserve your energy for matters that really make a difference but also build a reputation as someone who is thoughtful and discerning rather than reactionary. This can significantly enhance your influence within your department and ensure that when you do choose to stand firm on an issue, people take it seriously and respect your judgment.

Next up is tip number…

Stay Neutral but Informed. 

It’s tempting to take sides during disputes or align yourself with certain groups within the department. but, staying neutral allows you to navigate changes more smoothly without getting caught up in unnecessary drama.

Navigating department politics can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. On one hand, you want to stay out of the fray to avoid unnecessary conflicts; on the other, being completely disengaged can leave you out of the loop, making it hard to understand or influence decisions that might affect you. Finding that balance is key, and that's where staying neutral but informed comes into play.

Staying neutral means not getting overly involved in departmental conflicts or political games. It involves keeping an impartial stance in disputes and avoiding taking sides in a way that could lead to biases or create divisions within your own team. That being said, neutrality doesn't mean ignorance. Being informed means you understand the issues at play and the various perspectives involved, even if you choose not to voice a strong opinion unless necessary.

By staying neutral but informed, you protect yourself from being dragged into conflicts that don’t serve your professional interests while still playing an active role in keeping your work environment positive. 

Stay Professional

You are a professional, but staying professional means sticking to a high standard of behavior, no matter what the situation is. Don’t hurt your reputation by striking back or acting without thinking through the consequences. I worked with plenty who were quick to speak their mind, even with administration. Needless to say, they usually got the scut assignments and were eventually pushed out.

This involves keeping your emotions in check, focusing on the facts, and behaving with integrity. If you can do that, you can navigate political situations without compromising your values or getting caught up in the drama.

– So keep your emotions in check. It’s easy to react emotionally when you feel wronged or stressed. I know. I’ve almost lost it on a few occasions. And on one or two occasions, I overstepped and got my hand slapped. If we get angry, it can escalate situations and hurt our reputation. Keeping your emotions in check gives you time to think, and hopefully not get yourself in trouble.

By staying professional, you can handle workplace politics without losing your integrity and keep your long-term career goals in sight. This can help you avoid drama and build respect and trust with your coworkers and supervisors.

I know it’s tough out there, but you’ve got this.

Thanks so much for joining me today for another episode of Surviving Your Shift. Are you wondering if you’re experiencing some of the signs of Post Traumatic Stress? Or know someone who is? Grab a lifeline by going to survivingyourshift.com and on the right sidebar click to download your copy of Understanding PTSD: It's History, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.

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If you’re struggling with moral and ethical dilemmas and finding purpose in your work, you won’t want to miss our next episode. I’ll be interviewing Dr. David Weill, the former director of the Heart-Lung Transplant Program at Stanford University Medical Center. He’ll share his insights on navigating these challenges and finding deeper meaning in what you do. Join us for this enlightening conversation that promises to offer valuable perspectives and practical advice. Stick around. I’ll see you on that episode. Till next time, “Let’s learn how to thrive, not just survive.”