W1: Working with Corporate Politics to Help Data Management Succeed
Danette McGilvray
President and Principal
Granite Falls Consulting, Inc.
Do you dislike the politics in your company? Have you been frustrated by the people aspect of your data management initiatives? Often the failure of data management is due not to the lack of technical skills, but a lack of support – support that can be gained only through applying people skills and navigating a complex corporate environment. This workshop will help you be more effective in working with others to implement and promote your company’s information and data management goals. Key topics include:
- Identifying and working with your allies and opponents
- The importance of language – written, spoken, and body
- Making human nature work for you, not against you
- Real-life situations and how to handle them
Complement your technical skills by strengthening your people skills. Come prepared to participate and have fun while learning – this is a very interactive session. Leave with solutions tailored to your situation and data management objectives.
Comments (3)
Larry Burns said
at 12:01 pm on Apr 28, 2006
This was a wonderful presentation, and one I really needed to hear. I've had two major data management initiatives torpedoed, not because I didn't do the technical things right, but because I didn't do the political things right. Danette really hits the nail on the head with this workshop.
Larry Burns said
at 12:05 pm on Apr 28, 2006
I also like the material on personality types (Entrepreneur, Manager, Technician), and the Myers-Briggs stuff. There is also another system (I forget the name) that has four quadrants - Controller (let's get this done), Persuader (let's win this one for the Gipper!), Analyzer (studies show that...), and Stabilizer (let's all work together on this!). I'm a Stabilizer-Analyzer type. The system includes tips that people in one quadrant can use to interact more effectively with people in other quadrants.
Danette McGilvray said
at 11:44 am on May 1, 2006
Thanks to all the attendees for their active participation and enthusiasm! Additional key points in the presentation:
- "Politics" is all about people and about gaining support. We all need support of some type (people, money, time, etc.)
- Power is a neutral term. Though the word carries negative connotations for some, we can use power in a positive way.
- The more we understand people as human beings and the dynamics of group/organizational relationships, the better we can work with others.
- Dealing with individuals and groups is a skill that can be developed.
- The better we are at assessing people and situations, the better we will be at planning and taking effective action.
The exercises and discussion supported these points by having attendess describe their own situations and political challenges, discuss one approach to personalities and roles, work with a team to implement a strategy, develop their support configurations, and start an action plan.
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