OBAT WORK244 Part 3Interacting Effectively
LEARNING ABOUT YOURSELF EXERCISE
How Political Are You?
To determine your political tendencies, please review the following statements. Check the answer that best represents your
behaviour or belief, even if that particular behaviour or belief is not present all the time.
True False
1. You should make others feel important through an open appreciation of their
ideas and work. ______ ______- Because people tend to judge you when they first meet you, always try to make
a good first impression. __ __ - Try to let others do most of the talking, be sympathetic to their problems, and
resist telling people that they are totally wrong. __ __ - Praise the good traits of the people you meet, and always give people an opportunity
to save face if they are wrong or make a mistake. __ __ - Spreading false rumours, planting misleading information, and backstabbing are
necessary, if somewhat unpleasant, methods of dealing with your enemies. __ __ - Sometimes it is necessary to make promises that you know you will not or cannot keep. __ __
- It is important to get along with everybody, even with those who are generally
recognized as windbags, abrasive, or constant complainers. __ __ - It is vital to do favours for others so that you can call in these IOUs at times when they
will do you the most good. __ __ - Be willing to compromise, particularly on issues that are minor to you but major to others. __ __
1 0.On controversial issues, it is important to delay or avoid your involvement if possible. __ __
Scoring Key:
According to the author of this instrument, a complete organizational politician will answer “true” to all 10 questions.
Organizational politicians with fundamental ethical standards will answer “false” to questions 5 and 6, which deal with
deliberate lies and uncharitable behaviour. Individuals who regard manipulation, incomplete disclosure, and self-serving
behaviour as unacceptable will answer “false” to all or almost all of the questions.Source:J. F. Byrnes, “The Political Behavior Inventory.” Reprinted by permission of Dr. Joseph F. Byrnes, Bentley College, Waltham, Massachusetts.BREAKOUT GROUPEXERCISES
Form small groups to discuss the following topics, as assigned by your instructor:
1 .Describe an incident in which you tried to use political behaviour in order to get something you wanted. What
influence tactics did you use?
2.In thinking about the incident described above, were your influence tactics effective? Why?
3.Describe an incident in which you saw someone engaging in politics. What was your reaction to observing the
political behaviour? Under what circumstances do you think political behaviour is appropriate?