2. Assessing the people landscape Frenemies Allies Trust Agreement Opponents Adversaries Low High Low High
3. The quadrants explained – other people Frenemies These people agree with you but don’t trust you. They will most likely keep information from you; be happy to have a drink with you; smile at your face while putting the knife in your back. They will sell you out to get what they want. Allies They trust you and are in agreement with you. You’ll be able to have confidential conversations and they’ll have your back. (if they don’t you have misread the situation. Adversaries These people will be out to get you. They don’t like you, don’t trust you and wouldn’t agree with you that the sky was blue. Look out for hostility; passive aggression and undermining behaviour. When you go on leave they will try and get you removed. Opponents Everyone enjoys a worthy opponent. Usually working towards a different agenda but respect you and trust you. Open about agenda and will argue their case – and live with the outcome.
4. The quadrants explained – you Frenemies If someone is your frenemy you will agree with what they are looking to achieve but not trust their motives and approach. You will (consider) undermining them and know that you’d be better off if they weren’t there. Watch out for misreading these guys as either opponents or allies. Allies You trust these guys. You’re on the same page and you’ll give them references easily and happily. Can , and do, take them into your confidence. Very depressing when you misread this one. Adversaries You know and they know that it’s war. You might try to dress it up to get along but you’ll be thinking of the world being a better place if you didn’t have to deal with them. These are the people you will speak fairly frankly about others to in an attempt to move them on. Opponents Ah, you’ll probably secretly admire these guys and think that if you ever need a really good person you’d call on them. You’ll probably find yourself smiling (after you get over it) when they win a round.