If you tell me you hate office politics, I'll tell you you're probably underperforming at your job

And no, I am not talking about elbowing for position, spreading misinformation, and treating people well while ignoring others.

Think of office "politics" as high quality customer service. It's about understanding what others want, and prioritizing your work hours to help them achieve that vision.

A lot of clients retort "my content and quality of work should stand on its own." This is fine at a junior level. The instructions from the VP/MD are clear. But as you rise into the MD/Partner ranks, it's all about understanding what each of your counterparts cares about and expects from you.

When is the last time you checked in with your LPs, boss(es) and peers and asked:
1. What are your goals over the next year?
2. How do you see me helping you to get there?
3. What could I do that would be of most value to you and the firm?

Good political hygiene looks like checking in with each of your colleagues (senior, peer and junior) once a quarter. Take 20 minutes to understand their desires and how they'd like you to help them. You don't have to actually do everything they ask for, but the simple exercise of listening and acknowledging that you care will pay dividends - you learn a lot about what matters at the firm, and you enhance the quality of every relationship you have at the firm. If, in the process, you find an unreasonable or self-centered colleague, great! This is a wonderful opportunity to realize that person needs to be managed carefully, and likely needs strict boundaries.

Good politics involves a lot of effort. Executing the work is one thing, but taking this time to routinely check in and align visions takes a lot of discipline and curiosity. If you want to succeed and get promoted, this work is as important as execution / work product.

Additionally, rather than having to read peoples' minds and wonder how they feel about you and your effort, these conversations help you learn what's important. This information allows you to prioritize what matters, while delegating or dumping the bottom of the list. This helps you regain hours and have a more balanced life.

How much attention are you devoting to good politics? Are you avoiding it? What can you do today to start to clarify what people would like to see from you?

#privateequity #growthequity #investmentbanking #managingup #workpolitics