Political strategy

step 1: Plan
(a) discover power and influence -
What does people value, information, advancement, prestige, or the need to be liked?
Who has the power?
Who really makes the decisions?
How is bad/good news received?

(b) Define objective -
What do you want to accomplish in a given situation?

(c) Assess your ability to influence -
Do you have the credibility, subject expertise, or formal power to realistically influence them?
If not, who can you engage to help influence them?
Do you have a working relationship with this person? Is it good?

step 2: Action
(a) Build Alliances
Project management is about relationships. Initiate a relationship by seeking help/direction or offering to help.

(b) Manage Adversaries (e.g. other project managers, bosses) - the ones standing between you and your goals

First, assess the situation from the opponent’s viewpoint and try to understand their motives and actions. It’s usually circumstances out of their control that cause them to become an adversary to your goals. It could be that you are blocking the path to their goals, too.

Work to convert your adversary into an ally. Try to find common goals and work from there. If not, you need to seek out allies that can help both of you achieve your goals. These allies should hold sufficient power and influence to get things done in the organization.

(c) Change Course as Necessary
Is your political strategy harming your influence?
Is it damaging your reputation?
Are others being hurt because of your actions?

step 3: Reflect
Are assumptions accurate?
Was your energy spent wisely with positive effect on your personal or political objectives?