To play the game of office politics in business...
One needs to look the part. New clothes, sharp haircut, new shoes. Image is everything. Stand tall, stride when you walk with your head held high. People notice when the wardrobe ratchets up a notch. Constancy is key. Keep it up, keep it moving forward.
One needs show competence. Not just that you know your job, but that you do it well. You need to reach outside your box. Put a toe in the other waters. Not only hit all your marks, but hit the others all around your box. Hit the marks of those who are doing the job you want to do. Reach. Keep good notes. What are you spending your time on, both that is directly related, and that that isn't but in the area you are moving. People notice when you are above and beyond, reaching out, past your job description.
One also needs to have the attitude, the confidence. Remember when I said you've got to stand tall, to stride when you walk? Do that, pick up your feet, hold your head up. Meet people in the eye when you walk among them, don't cast your eyes down. Don't forget to smile, be easy with not only your peers, but those above you in the job you are looking for. Be easy all the way to the top if your corporate culture will allow it. Adopt a more alert, yet relaxed posture when in meetings, especially with those who have pigeon holed you as a lifer in your current position. If you wear glasses, use them in your body language when you make a point. They are a good tool. You have the ability to change the power dynamic across the desk if you have the confidence to go for it. People notice this. Especially when teamed with all the above. They begin to wonder, what is he up to, where is he going, did we underestimate him, he may be right for the job after all.
To play the game, takes all three.
I'll let you know how it plays out...
