Industry Spotlight; Local Government Meets House of Cards
19 January 2018
In the local government sector, it’s essential you recruit the right employees and work within strict time frames and budget to make this happen.
Having worked with many Victorian councils and government related agencies, we know what it takes to build an effective strategy for success. Every department is different and presents its own challenges, and we are able to navigate around the idiosyncrasies with ease.
Read below for 8 Business Strategy Tips from House of Cards.
If you, like I, have at different times over the last few years found yourself binge-watching the House of Cards on Netflix, you may have thought “what keeps drawing me back to this?”
Is it the smart writing and plot lines? Imagining yourself as Frank or Claire Underwood shaping the future? The acting? The sets? The insight into the working of Government at any level we can relate to? Or is it because House of Cards represents what we believe to be the truth about Government or at least part of it?
There’s a lot of drama in House of Cards and that’s what makes it so enjoyable. The series offers more than just slick men and women in expensive suits working their way through often incredulous plot lines. It offers some serious business strategy tips we can all take to heart and adopt in our daily business practices. Here are eight that come to mind—related to the ‘Local Government’ sector.
1. RelAtionships create results
When someone on this show needs to get something done, the first question they ask is, “Who do we know?” And sure, while there are some lone wolves like Remy Danton, the rule of thumb is relationships, relationships, relationships.
From Francis Underwood and his growing relationship with his bodyguard Edward Meechum to strained ones like his triad including President Walker and Raymond Tusk (with Doug Stamper, of course, circling with a watchful eye)—relationships get things done, and when relationships break down, bad things happen.
2. Everyone wants something
Speaking of relationships, the most enduring relationships on House of Cards (between Frank and Claire Underwood, Frank and Stamper) are based on an open understanding of each party’s wants and needs. Frank is exceedingly talented at getting to the heart of the matter in negotiations. Have you noticed how short most meetings on this show are? We could all learn a thing or two about getting to the point and becoming more efficient. That comes from asking those you’re in business with what they want and what they need—as they’re often two very separate things.
3. clarity results in outcomes
When you understand what the party sitting in front of you both wants and needs, then negotiations can begin. The characters in House of Cards demonstrate time and again that there is no such thing as “no.” It’s more of a “not yet,” or, “not quite like that.” The next time someone tells you no, see it as an opportunity to rethink your situation. How can you address the wants and needs—yours and those of your business associates—in another way? Skip no. Go for, “If not this, then what?”
4. never stop learning
Not everything is a “now.” If there’s someone who understands how to play the long game, it’s the Underwood’s. We love to loathe them but we keep coming back because they give us titbits of humanity to latch onto—and much of that comes from their passion for pursuing the long game. In daily business, we often make decisions out of haste, ignoring the long term and only thinking about the now. Not everything is a “now” kind of thing. What could you let rest for now in the interests of a better future for you, your customers and your business?
5. a face-to-face meeting can never be underestimated
Digital communications have their place, but real decision making requires face to face meetings. The cast of House of Cards is on planes, taking teleconferences and, when possible, making the walk down the hall in the interests of face-to-face meetings. How much better could your business be if you put the people (and not their digital signatures) back into it? There’s something to be said for being able to feel the presence of another person in the room. There’s also a higher likelihood you’ll get something accomplished with face-to-face.
6. create an empowered team
There are few other shows that so clearly demonstrate that no man is an island and it takes teams to get things done. The President empowers Frank, and Frank empowers Doug Stamper. Tusk sets Remy Danton on a task, and all anyone wants to know when someone reports back in is, “Where are we at?” Government or business can’t be run by a single person. Do you think you’re the only one who can run every aspect of your business? By empowering your team, you’re freeing yourself up to do the most important job: the one you love doing.
7. learn how to relax
Whether its video games or recreating Civil War battle scenes with painted figurines we all need a release valve. When your workday is done and you need to occupy your brain, what’s your go-to? All work and no play would make even Frank Underwood a dull boy. You’re no different. We can see more clearly when the fog of whatever’s eating at us is cleared away—and that requires stepping away from the mud and muck.
8. breathe, stay calm
When you’ve stepped away. Said your peace. Let off steam in one way or another. When you’ve cooled off, you can have meaningful conversations. Give your business the gift of having important conversations when tempers aren’t in flare mode and everyone involved can approach what needs getting done from a place of purpose. And who knows—you just might find yourself back up top, thinking that relationships are key and embracing the process that will uncover exactly what everyone in the equation wants and needs.
Talk to one of our Local Government Team to find out how you can make that next move in government or how to introduce the best talent to your team.
As the preferred recruiting partner of local government bodies, we are ready to show you why our name is so widely known. Contact one of our consultants today for an in-depth discussion on how we can partner with your council or department throughout the whole recruiting process.
You too can climb the government ranks. Relationships are everything.