Don’t Be Insincere: How to Genuinely Improve Your Work Relationships
Building strong relationships with company leadership and navigating internal politics are key to advancing your career and influencing decision-making. There are clear, practical strategies you can use to establish credibility and trust while steering clear of negative office politics.
Understand the Organizational Landscape
Start by learning how decisions are made in your company. Who holds formal and informal power? What are the priorities of leadership? Understanding the company’s mission, values, and goals allows you to coordinate your work with leadership’s vision, making your contributions more visible and relevant.
Build Credibility Through Performance
The foundation of any strong connection with leadership is consistent, high-quality work. Deliver on your commitments, meet deadlines, and strive for excellence in your projects. Leaders naturally notice employees who demonstrate reliability and initiative.
Communicate Effectively and Professionally
Develop your ability to communicate clearly and confidently. Whether in meetings, emails, or presentations, articulate your ideas succinctly and back them up with data or well-thought-out reasoning. Avoid gossip or negativity, which can damage your reputation over time.
Seek Opportunities for Visibility
Volunteer for cross-functional projects, committees, or task forces that allow you to interact with leadership and showcase your skills. Presenting at meetings or contributing insights during company-wide initiatives can help you gain exposure beyond your immediate team.
Find a Mentor or Sponsor
Identify a leader who can offer guidance and help advocate for you within the organization. Mentors provide feedback and career advice, while sponsors actively champion your advancement by opening doors to new opportunities.
Practice Emotional Intelligence
Navigating company politics requires self-awareness, empathy, and tact. Pay attention to group dynamics and respect differing perspectives. Build alliances based on mutual respect and shared goals rather than personal agendas.
Maintain Your Integrity
It’s important to engage in company politics without compromising your integrity. Focus on positive, constructive communication, such as building networks, sharing credit, and supporting team success, rather than manipulative or self-serving behavior.
Connecting with leadership and navigating company politics are essential skills that can be developed over time. By understanding your organization’s power dynamics, delivering strong results, communicating effectively, and maintaining integrity, you can build meaningful relationships with leaders and position yourself as a trusted member of the team.
At G.A. Rogers & Associates, we care about our job candidates, our results, and our relationships. We take the time to get to know each person, enabling us to make the best career matches. Visit our job board to browse the latest positions today.
