Business Writing Tip: Dealing With Company Politics

By and large, the most successful employees are those who learn how to operate effectively within the political climates of their organizations. And while this is true for all job specialties, it is especially so for Business Communicators who must be alert to the political ramifications of how and what they communicate.

Ask any Business Communicator about his or her job and it's a good bet most will mention how the influences of personalities, hidden agendas, and turf wars often forces them to walk through a mine field of political intrigue.

Granted, political influences can be very stressful and demoralizing. And for writers in Business and Industry, learning to deal with these influences is just as critical as refining one's virtuosity with the written word.

Unfortunately, many communicators deal with company politics by adopting a writing style that is ambiguous and boilerplate-intensive. But writing in this manner in hopes of anticipating and appeasing objections often leads to communications that lack focus and purpose. That said, isn't it then more logical to “play it straight” and deal with objections in the editing process?

The upshot is that Business Communicators are rarely in a position to control the politics in their organizations; however, they can control how they approach their jobs. Simply put, this means writers should work to exert their influence by functioning as good wordsmiths as opposed to engaging in political gamesmanship.

But what does this mean in practical terms?

First of all, be task-oriented. Identify your writing objective, and write accordingly. Let others argue and debate the "between the lines" issues.

Second, don't willingly allow yourself to be drawn into political games. You probably are not privy to all the inside information, so you will be at a disadvantage.

Third, re-evaluate your writing approach. Over time, company politics may have adversely and unwittingly influenced your writing style. Look over a sample of your past communications. If they seem unclear and esoteric, then changes are in order.

Fourth, rely on your own chain-of-command. Be mindful that submitting politically sensitive communications without prior approvals and sign-offs, will likely put you at odds with the people who can support and protect you the most.

Finally, be careful with whom you choose to align yourself with. Hitching yourself to a "rising star" may seem politically expedient, but should that star fade, where are you?

In the end, the best advice is to tread carefully through political mine fields. Company Politics may be an intriguing game to you, but it can also be professionally hazardous for the ill-prepared.

Jack