Alliances at work
Building alliance in the workplace can not only be helpful, but critical to your career progression. I look at how to do this authentically.
Alliances at work are really important and help you in many scenarios. For example, have you ever been in a workplace that is highly political? Riddled with conflict? Or perhaps where someone - a peer or even your boss - claims credit for your work? Perhaps you're working on a new innovation the needs support and air cover to have any chance of success.
Having allies can help you in each of these scenarios. Allies can provide not only moral support but also practical support in navigating the workplace and ultimately being more effective and successful.
So, who makes a good ally?
- Someone you like! Forming alliances isn't about manipulating people, it's about authentic relationships that can be mutually supportive. So it tends to start with people you like and respect.
- Your boss. I've had great bosses who have provided air cover for a change that we both knew was important, but for which there was significant resistance at the outset. He gave the space for the idea to be heard and ultimately supported.
- Peers. Friendly peers can help provide moral support as well as practical support. They can be a sounding board for your ideas, helping you to refine them before sharing them more widely, and they can advocate for you in public and while you're not there.
- Gatekeepers. IT support people, Exec Assistants - anyone with access to information, expertise or resources. Again, this isn't about a self-serving relationship, it's about providing mutual support and assistance.
These tips and others are covered in my latest blog: Top tips for getting ahead in the workplace.
** Also, our new Women's Career Accelerator Programme explores many of these topics in more detail. Our next intake starts on the 12th October - click here to find out more!