“Politics is just networking and relationship building in disguise,” said Sheri Kallembach of DeVry University during the session "Navigating Campus Politics" at the AACRAO Annual Meeting.
“We should continually ask, what’s in the best interest of the student and the student experience? It just boils down to being nice to one another.”
So instead of thinking about politics as a destructive force, perhaps engaging in politics is merely facilitating the group decisions that move schools forward.
“If you want to get things done, you need to engage in campus politics, said Jennifer McClure of Elgin Community College. It allows you to take an active role in bridge building and gain political currency.”
“You need to have folks in leadership positions as your allies and understand the consequences of either action or inaction—when to engage or not engage,” McClure added.
The secret then, becomes identifying the intersection between politics and ethics in order to engage people effectively. Following are “10 Tips” that will help you along the road.
- Diplomacy matters.
- Map the political terrain.
- Try not to guess at ulterior motives.
- Learn to say, “I’m sorry.”
- Know thyself. Be true to yourself.
- LISTEN.
- Cultivate natural allies.
- Support others.
- Know the history of the issue.
- Commit to your school. Show enthusiasm for your mission.
So, remember that squirrely guy (the one that doesn’t return your emails despite typing URGENT! into the subject line) whose car you’d like to have towed because you’re buds with the ex-marine that runs parking services? Well, simply look to these 10 tips at Pilates next week when you’re considering tampering with his cable machine.
“Recognize that campus politics exist and aim to learn the skills necessary to navigate these waters effectively,” said Kallembach.