The Effects of Power and Politics in Modern Organizations

A clearly defined hierarchy of authority within an office allows people to understand and perform their roles effectively. Supervisors and employees alike must practice proper etiquette in order not to disturb the chain of command.

When You’re the Boss

Many bosses take the position that their only goal is to meet deadlines and get things done. These bosses often treat their employees like cogs in a machine. Though these tactics may work in the short term, in the long term they breed low morale and productivity. A far more effective policy is to try to gain the loyalty and admiration of those working under you by showing them respect. Here are some specific ways to do that:

• Ask rather than tell: Instead of issuing orders, present assignments to employees as requests. That doesn’t mean you should be wishy-washy or passive-aggressive. Just issue a clear, direct, and concise request.
• Be clear when giving instructions: Make sure your employees understand their responsibilities and your expectations.
• Don’t be afraid to admit a mistake: If you take responsibility, employees will follow suit, and your workplace will be both more pleasant and productive.
• Encourage questions: Employees’ questions can help you uncover flaws in your thinking and processes. Listening to employees also makes them feel like they’re valued and respected members of the team.
• Give regular feedback: Make sure employees have a strong sense of their performance level, including areas in which they could improve. Give praise and compliments when they’re deserved.
• Always be polite: Never belittle employees. Criticize when it’s warranted, but never in public or in front of other employees. If you make people feel dumb or ashamed even once, they won’t work hard for you.
• Set a good example: Abide by the rules you set for employees. If you don’t, you’ll look like a hypocrite.
• Never make it personal: Always focus on work performance. Don’t comment on appearance, dress, or anything that might offend.
• Avoid physical touch: Some people may be uncomfortable with physical touch that you consider merely friendly, especially if you hold a position of authority over them.

Delivering Bad News

One of the most unpleasant parts of being a supervisor is firing or laying off coworkers. If you face this situation:

• Plan: Figure out ahead of time what you’d like to say.
• Do it in person and in private: Always deliver bad news face-to-face and never in public.
• Be clear: People deserve to know why they’re losing their job. Explain why they’re being laid off or fired.
• Show empathy: Imagine how you’d feel if you lost your job. Expect—and respect—raw emotions.

Dealing with Higher–Ups

It’s easy to demonize a difficult boss, but it’s better to think of him or her as a person rather than a monster. Like it or not, your boss is in charge, and your work situation will be better if you maintain a good relationship.

• Observe and adapt: Pay attention to how your boss works and adapt yourself to that style.
• Don’t go above your boss’s head: If you have an issue with your boss, discuss it directly with him or her. If the problem persists, seek advice from your human resources department.
• Take the phrase “team player” seriously: Never use phrases such as, “But that’s not my job.” It makes you seem whiny and uncooperative.
• Do your homework: Before you go to your boss with a new idea, prepare background materials for support.
• Respect your boss’s authority: Once a decision is made, respect it regardless of whether you agree.
• Stay loyal in public: If you have differences with your boss, don’t let the whole office know.
• Compliment your boss: When your boss has done something particularly well, offer a compliment. Do this only for significant achievements or milestones.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a type of sex discrimination that was made illegal in the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Sexual harassment is usually classified into two types:

• Quid pro quo: Meaning “something for something,” quid pro quo harassment refers to requests for sexual favors in exchange for a job or promotion, or as a condition to avoid negative consequences, such as job loss or demotion.
• Hostile work environment: A hostile work environment is one in which an employee feels consistently uncomfortable and cannot perform his or her job. Courts have interpreted this as everything from unwanted touching and flirting to inappropriate comments about someone’s appearance. To avoid creating a hostile work environment, never:
  • Look at pornography while at work
  • Touch a coworker, except to shake hands
  • Flirt with or hit on a coworker
  • Comment on someone’s appearance
  • Tell dirty jokes or allude to sex in any way
  • Go into a coworker’s hotel room

Dealing with Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, not just women. If you’re being harassed, try the following steps:

• Confront the harasser immediately and tell him or her that their behavior is unwelcome and must stop.
• Make a written record of instances of harassment and keep it at home.
• If the behavior doesn’t stop, talk to your human resources department about what’s happened.
• If these steps don’t resolve the issue, consult a lawyer or contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) about your options.