NEGOTIATING THE POLITICAL JUNGLE AT
WORK
1. Lion king
·
This
colleague is fiercely protective about his turf.
·
Avoid
challenging his superiority or encroaching on his domain unless you wish to
take on the lion.
·
He is
also loyal, large-hearted and successful, and thus, an excellent ally to have
in the political jungle.
2. Wily fox
·
This
co-worker is the ultimate survivor.
·
A
scavenger and an opportunistic predator, the fox looks for short-term gains and
targets the easiest victims.
·
To be
safe, don’t share your secrets, document interactions and increase the price of
conflict.
3. Offensive
skunk
·
An
employee who has resigned or is perceived to be the cause of a major problem at
work is often treated like the malodorous skunk.
·
Other
animals stay away because the smell is offensive and sticks on contact.
·
Keep
your distance if your image is vulnerable.
4. Elephant matriarch
·
Irreplaceable
long-term employees with no political competition are often like elephants.
·
They
fraternise with a clique of similar people, have no known predators, have long
memories and are dangerous if provoked.
·
You
have nothing to worry about unless you take them on, in which case you’ll be
trampled.
5. Sociable
monkey
·
The
non-aggressive monkey exists in large numbers and has a strong network of
social bonds and friends.
·
You
can recognise him when he gladly does a favour for you.
·
Learn
to reciprocate and you shall have access to the monkey’s extensive network.