Managing Politics at Work

Aryanne Oade is a Chartered Psychologist and the owner of an established and successful coaching and development business. Aryanne regularly coaches senior-level clients on the complex interpersonal issues surrounding politics, conflict and power at work. She has run nine workshops on how to identify and manage politics at work for three global investment banks, and has spoken twice at the Leeds and York branches of Institute of Directors on 'Politics, Power and Profit.' Since 1994 Aryanne has designed and delivered over 130 bespoke coaching programmes and over 100 tailored professional skills workshops for managers and leaders across the UK, Europe and North America, many of which have involved working with clients on workplace political issues. Aryanne lives on a farm in Yorkshire from where she runs her business. Aryanne Oade has worked as a Chartered Psychologist since 1991. She has appeared on C4 speaking about customer complaints handling; has given an address on 'Creativity in Business' at the British Association for the Advancement of Science and has appeared on Radio 4 speaking on the same topic. Aryanne has spoken at the Leeds and York Institute of Directors on 'Politics, Power and Profit'; and once at the British Psychological Society's Annual Conference on 'Stress Levels Among South Yorkshire Probation Officers.' She is a member of the British Psychological Society's Special Group in Coaching Psychology and holds general membership at the BPS's Division ofOccupational Psychology. She is also a Member of the Association for Coaching.

'Aryanne's treatment of this complex, subtle and important topic is comprehensive. Her highly readable text neatly mixes principles punctuated by examples to which many business leaders will relate. Her writing mirrors her style as a highly effective executive coach in the field. Readers are guaranteed a meaningful learning experience generated by someone with many years of practical know-how in this area.' - David Campbell, former Regional Head of EMEA Corporate Audit and Global Head of Corporate Audit for FICC, Risk Management and CFO, Merrill Lynch; former Managing Director and Global Head of Internal Audit, ING Barings 'I would recommend this book to anyone leading an organization or team. It offers an interesting, frank guide to identifying and managing workplace politics. Aryanne Oade uses her wealth of experience in coaching and organizational psychology to provide a practical toolkit filled with case studies and tips for any business leader.' Fiona Calnan, Chief Executive Officer, UK Specialist Hospitals 'Aryanne Oade has written a guide for those perplexed by organizational politics. This book will be of great use to managers, HR leaders, organizational coaches, and anyone looking to understand how to negotiate through the choppy waters of life inside organizations. The style is easy, free from psycho-jargon and 'HR-speak' and provides loads of practical and clear advice.' Michael Molinaro, Executive Director, Learning and Development, UBS 'Aryanne has developed a pragmatic approach to studying and understanding workplace politics. The use of small vignettes with some soul searching questions facilitates learning and understanding in this critical business subject.' Peter Hill, Managing Director, CFM Consulting, Visiting Lecturer, University of Edinburgh Business School, Visiting Lecturer, University of Strathclyde Business School Department of Executive Education 'Aryanne's book is extremely useful for all who want to better understand and handle political behaviour in the work environment. Aryanne covers the topic extensively and professionally, avoiding the risk of making value judgements about why people should (or not) use political behaviour. The toolkit is practical and full of real examples, which provide insights applicable to everyday life. Her simple and direct style makes the reading very enjoyable.' Alessio Miranda, Head of Internal Audit, AIB 'This book will be useful to both experienced and newly employed people at work. It is practical and insightful in its portrayal of workplace politics, and provides an effective toolkit for handling a range of political behaviours at work.' Tim Entwistle, Northern Regional Managing Partner, PKF (UK) LLP

• Overview How To Use This Book The Political Element at Work Tool One: A Definition of Politically Motivated Behaviour Case Study One: Switching Accounts Tool Two: The Politics of Values and Style Case Study Two: Internal Conflict Tool Three: The Political Roles People Play: Getting Things Done With Other People Case Study Three: In-House Values Initiative Tool Four: Power and Politics: Bringing Your Plans to Fruition Case Study Four: New Business Development Tool Five: Objective Criteria for Assessing Trusting Behaviour Case Study Five: Appraisal Tool Six: Responding to Key Political Behaviours Case Study Six: Poor Service Managing Politics at Work: Final Thoughts References and Recommended Reading List