Political Dilemmas at Work: How to Maintain Your Integrity and Further Your Career

Take Your Impression Management Campaign on the Road

Modern communication technology means that it is possible to influence the inner circle from a distance. Using the phone, the Internet, and videoconferencing are all great ways to communicate and can be effective influence channels, but there is no substitute for face-to-face meetings.

Politicians know that if they want to win the votes, they have to get out there and meet the people face-to-face. They have to be seen, not just on TV, but also in the flesh. They know that this is a vital part of their influence campaign. And if you work far from the center of power, then accept that you can only achieve so much influence remotely. Get out the plane schedules and plan that trip to the center. Or if you are at the center, plan that trip to the regional offices if that is where the action is.

Those in the regional offices think influence is easier for those at the center. The assumption is that a short walk down the corridor provides an opportunity for a face-to-face meeting and therefore, a more potent opportunity for influence. While it is undeniably true that face-to-face influence has more impact than phone or e-mail, it is only partly true that those at the center have this casual, “I was just passing by . . . ”option for influence.

The sheer complexity of modern organizations means that while you might know where to find someone’s desk, there is an increasing certainty that they won’t be behind it. This means ...