Whenever I ask a client what they like least about their role in leadership they typically respond: the politics.

I’m pretty sure they aren’t talking about the politics that consume our media.

And I often find “politics” is just a code word for conflict.

Even today when most of us are not in the office, finding a way to embrace the politics of remote work is critical to being able to traverse a power dynamic that causes frustration and prevents leaders from showing up in the best possible way.

Instead of throwing up your hands in frustration or just saying how much you hate it, ask yourself some questions:

1. What are we all working towards? 

2. What values do we share?

3. How can we do it together by lifting each other up instead of breaking each other down?

Asking these core questions creates an internal shift to working towards a collaborative where good intentions are assumed.   It drives empathy and awareness of the other person’s needs.  And allows you to grow your leadership and create a new power dynamic that is no longer about  “I win you lose” but how we can win together. 

The best leaders find a way to walk in others’ shoes, clear the air, and move on to the doing, rather than staying mired in the power dynamics created by assumptions, judgments, and even, fear.

Ultimately the best way to traverse office politics is to understand you, understand your audience and find a way to win together. 

It’s all about being an Outlaw Leader™ who embraces the Outlaws of Leadership.