The Nice People's Guide to Business Politics

I re-entered the workforce after years of being a stay at home
mom. I knew that I was good at what I did, but when I first
started back in business it seemed that nothing I did was good
enough. I felt I was lost at sea. It seemed that people were
mad at me for no reason, or people didn't like the things I had
to say. My work was good, but not fast enough, and on and on.
Sometimes I would leave the office so stressed out that when I
got home I couldn't be cheery with my husband and kids.

I was determined to get out of my rut so I started analyzing what
was going on. I knew I did a good job, and that I was a pleasant
enough person. It had to be something else. I asked my husband
what he thought, and he brought up office politics. He said
that, in a lot of businesses, your social skills and behavior
have as much or more influence as your actual job performance on
how you were treated. He told me to open my eyes and ears and to
start noticing what was going on around me and to try to adapt.

The first thing I did was listen to the morning conversations in
the break room. I was usually pretty chatty with the friendlier
people, but I decided to keep it down for a few days. What were
people talking about? It seemed that people were talking about
business issues and current events. I guess I'd forgotten that
everyone didn't have kids, and that soccer and scouts weren't
popular office topics.

I made a commitment to myself to read the morning paper on the
bus, instead of the latest romance novel, at least 3 days a week,
and to make an input in the more serious office conversations.
Of course I'd still talk about my kids with the ladies I'd become
friendly with, but on our own time. The guys in the office
really started responding. They even ask me my opinion on issues
now.

Next I decided to figure out why my boss, who was seemingly so
friendly, would sometimes complain about me behind my back. I
really started listening to what she was asking for, and I
realized that she was a little vague sometimes, and therefore
maybe I wasn't always understanding what she wanted.

I decided to start asking more questions to make sure I was up on
things. One thing I figured out in this process was that when
she said, "Could you try to get to this," she really meant, "I
need this right now!" Well, I was worried at first that she'd
think I was bugging her, but after a few days of my new approach,
she actually pulled me aside and thanked me, and told me my work
was really improving.

I was also a little worried about asking for help so much around
my area. Computers were new to me and I wasn't really good at
using them. I started asking the people near me to help me with
the different programs, and they were pretty willing to help, at
first. I didn't catch on really quickly, and I started noticing
sighs and glares when I would ask for help yet again.

Well, the first thing I decided to do was to thank everyone for
their help, so I made up goody baskets for everyone in my area
one Monday. I came in a little early and left cookies and
homemade candy, along with a card saying "thanks for the help,"
for everyone in my division. Everyone loved them, and the smiles
returned.

Next I went down to the community college and registered for a
six week office applications seminar. I missed my kids for a few
nights, but it was sure worth it. Soon I was one of those people
who gets asked the questions, and my boss commended me on my
initiative.

Well, my experience at that office went from bad to great, and
with only a little effort on my part. I'm in business for myself
now, but I find that everything I learned during that period
still helps me with clients, and even with my family. It
definitely pays to pay attention.

About the Author

Lisa Lake has created a list of top promotional methods on her
http://MyAdBlaster.com Lisa also writes ad copy that sells for
DrNunley's http://InternetWriters.com Reach her at
mailto:lisa@myadblaster.com or 801-328-9006.