_{A Monthly Newsletter: April 2024}

Welcome to my first newsletter! My plan for this newsletter is to share some thoughts and tips on leadership issues, team challenges and some general insights into beneficial coaching conversations.

If you are wondering why you have been sent this email, its because we have either had a conversation together, you have been a client, are a current client, have undertaken a leadership quiz, or have registered for a group coaching event!

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Happy reading and I hope you enjoy this first issue 😊

Office politics is something that exists within a lot if not all organizations. I used to think of it as something fearful and to be avoided because I did not truly understand how it operated. We also often hear about the negative side to office politics, or we may have suffered it. Behaviors such as manipulation, favoritism and undermining fall into this category and can be upsetting and exhausting to experience.

What my encounters taught me though, was that whilst politics can be frustrating at times in terms of progress against action for example, it can also be successfully moved within and around once you understand the boundaries. My top 5 tips below provide some guidelines on how best to work with politics, whilst maintaining professionalism and your personal integrity.

1. Understand what it looks like at the organization you work for. This involves observing how decisions are made and by whom, seeing where unofficial collaborations exist and where there are teams within teams. What alliances are there and where does the power lie?

2. Be an independent thinker and performer that is focused on doing their job well, rather than looking out solely for yourself. Build your credibility through the work you do and your commitment to the organization. This will earn you respect irrespective of politics.

3. Avoid aligning yourself with any one person or team. Things can change rapidly, so you don’t want to find your one and only supporter is no longer there. Aim to be a neutral and objective contributor. Avoid the gossip!

4. Build quality relationships with others. Take time to build trust and respect with colleagues and those more senior than you. Strong relationships will help protect you from future issues.

5. Prioritize your own goals. Ensure you have your own career plan in place so that you can evaluate whether getting involved in politics will help your journey or become a distraction.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, done well, office politics can create a positive working environment that is supportive, collaborative and that helps your career. The key is to fully understand how it operates in your organization and how you can work with, rather than against it, to fully appreciate the benefits it can provide.

ps. When you’re ready…..I help leaders and teams through 1:1 coaching, training, facilitation and operations guidance. Reach out for a complimentary intro call

Workshops, Webinars and Training for your Team - The list for 2024!

• Resilience – Being knocked down and getting back up without losing energy and maintaining self belief.

• Manager to Leader Transition – How to get comfortable not knowing how to do the job well, without losing credibility and building your reputation.

• Team Effectiveness and Productivity – How to prioritize work, deal with multiple demands and develop tools and strategies to manage overwhelm…

• Executive Presence – What is it and if you want to grow this, how do you get it?

• Leading a New Team – Taking on a new team that is disengaged, low performing and resistant to being led. How to embrace these challenges and turn the team around!

What my clients have to say!

Virtual Group Coaching - Coming Soon!!!

If learning and sharing experiences with others is more your thing, then my group coaching program could be the answer!

Monthly 1hr sessions dig into a leadership and career development topic of interest. This new program starts in June - and will run every first Tuesday of the month, between 7-8pm EST. To find out more, and to get your name down to secure your spot - RESERVE MY PLACE here!

No idea what the benefits of group coaching are? I have compiled a handy list below for reference, but do reach out to me directly if you have any reservations or concerns about what it entails. I would be happy to answer your questions.

• Shared wisdom of the group

• Working toward common goals

• Fixed timings that are easier to manage and plan around

• Development of support and trust within the group

• Heightened emotional intelligence

• More affordable value

To find out more and to reserve your spot, use the link below.

Referring Someone in Your Network to Executive Coaching or Team Coaching Support.

It makes sense that you trust your colleagues and friends to provide great professional contacts. So, if someone in your network could use coaching support, please introduce us!

Here’s an easy referral link:

I’m very grateful for everyone who connects me with their colleagues and friends. Thank you!

Emma