6 Allies You Need In The Workplace

It's essential to create allies throughout one's company and industry. Allies will help you move ahead in your career, avoid mistakes and accomplish your goals. The dynamics of interaction may differ with the size and nature of a particular company. Your interpersonal interactions will be more frequent and closer in a small start-up than in a major multinational corporation, but the need for allies and alliances is universal.

Here are some tips on what types of allies to look for and how to get them -- and keep them -- on your side.

1- The "Voice Of Experience" Ally
Look to your senior colleagues to find this type of ally. Observe the group dynamics when you join a new company or department. The power is not necessarily with the most vocal members of the staff, and it's not always wielded by those with the most impressive titles. Locate the experts with the experience that will help you achieve your career goals.

Call on this ally for: Background information. Ask for details on company policies, and learn how and why certain decisions were made in the past. That doesn't mean that you need to buy into old-fashioned ways of doing things. But learn from past company experiences. For example, if your work group is considering offering all customers a $100 credit certificate, ask a colleague with a couple of decades of seniority if a similar strategy has been employed before. You'll learn a lot about the ins and outs of the business from someone who has done it all.

How to reciprocate: Asking questions shows respect. Without sounding trite, give credit in meetings for your Voice Of Experience Ally's expertise and contributions. Thank him privately for sharing his knowledge and advice. When he retires, help organize a farewell party, and stay in touch by phone and e-mail after he leaves.

2- The Teammate Ally
Unless you're in an exceptionally competitive environment or there's evidence of corruption or wrongdoing, don't keep your coworkers at arm's length. Teamwork will benefit the company and help you showcase your leadership skills. Create opportunities for your colleagues to get together socially and you'll find that they collaborate better on projects. Make lunch or happy hour the time to get to know each other and share a few laughs together.

Call on this ally for: Advice and assistance. Up against a severe time constraint and need some extra hands to put together your marketing mailing? You'll find help quickly if you've made a point of creating allies among your cube-mates. They'll also be more willing to share information and ideas with someone they like.

How to reciprocate: Offer to help with their deadlines. If your Teammate Ally has offered suggestions or provided assistance, give credit where it's due. Never backstab or gossip, and you'll earn your colleagues' trust, respect and allegiance.

3- The Network Allies
You'll need several Network Allies from both other departments and other companies in your industry. It's much easier to keep your ear to the ground if you have a network of reliable sources. We're not talking insider trading here; just maintain contact with some well-placed associates so you can be forewarned and forearmed.

Call on these allies for: Knowledge. When you hear rumors of impending price increases, a competitor's pending bankruptcy or an innovative new design development, your Network Allies will be best positioned to keep you informed so you can take action. Stay in touch on a regular basis, not just when you need something.

How to reciprocate: Remain alert to any information that will help them and share it freely (provided it is not proprietary or confidential). If a Network Ally needs a sounding board on occasion, be his go-to guy.

4- The High Potential Ally
Unless your boss and senior management recognize your talents, appreciate your skills and understand your interest in advancing, you could remain in your current position for years. You need to develop at least one High Potential Ally.

Call on this ally for: Career advancement. There's a fine line between developing allies and brownnosing. You want the CEO or senior partners to notice you, not be annoyed by you. Offer assistance. When the boss is looking for volunteers to take on a special project, and you know you can do it without impacting your day-to-day work, step up.

How to reciprocate: Keep the lines of communication with your High Potential Ally open, but be discreet. Be loyal to the boss and to your colleagues. Make your boss look good without damaging your integrity, independence and image.

5- The Supportive Allies
Security guards, cleaning staff and administrative assistants are all powerful in their own right, and savvy businessmen will make a point of making them their allies. Support staff are essential allies.

Call on these allies for: Cooperation and special assistance. You may need a Supportive Ally's expertise and influence if you forget your keys, inadvertently put a file folder in the trash or need to meet with the boss on an urgent matter. If you've established a relationship in advance, they're more likely to go out of their way to assist you. The CEO's executive secretary is a very important person to have on your side. Considered a gatekeeper, she knows everything about everybody, will be privy to certain information you might need and could relay her positive or negative impressions of you to your superior.

How to reciprocate: Take an interest in your Supportive Allies, treat them as individuals and show them respect at all times. Introduce them to others as important members of the team, without sounding condescending.

6- The Client Allies
Customers can be great allies. If you're looking for a new job, a reference or a referral from a satisfied customer will hold a lot of weight. Clients could also offer suggestions about your business that might be your key to the executive suite.

Call on these allies for: Their perspectives. Ask for their opinions. If you're considering proposing a new product, check with a few key customers for their input. Use your clients as a focus group.

How to reciprocate: Show your Client Allies that you value the relationship. Thank them for their business and their confidence in you. Send them information that will help in their business; give them business leads and referrals.

stay open but cautious

"Always keep your friends close, but your enemies keep closer."
- J. Wallace Day

As you make your way to the top of the corporate pyramid, you'll encounter enemies intent on sabotaging your success. The bigger the company, the more you'll need allies to help you navigate your way to the top. Try to get along with everyone you meet, no matter what. Focus on the strengths and talents of each individual, and offer appropriate recognition and respect. Even those you detest have some worth to your career -- and have the power to negatively impact it. If you can't be friends, at least make sure you're allies.

Resources:
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