The clash of different ideas, eclectic personalities and an overall competitive atmosphere seem to foster ‘office politics’ or, the exercising or pursuit of power within a physically bound workplace or setting.
The trouble with office politics for most is that they have a greater potential to hurt a career then help. Not to mention the added stress and tension among coworkers. In contrast, correctly handled – politics can greatly help one along their career path.
Political Involvement
Everyone has a choice on their level of involvement with politics. One can either use them to their advantage or avoid them all together. The problem with avoiding them is that one has to avoid being an obstacle for any other coworker. If someone is not in the way of getting ‘to the top,’ then there does not appear to be much of a career to protect.
The goal then is to become better at the politics while separating them from the drama and gossip that will handicap a career. Often times a great start is to stop reacting and start responding. The tone, timing, content and how that content is communicated often determines whether the message sent was aggressive, provocative or in another means of a ‘poke or prod.’
When a coworker is given a promotion, sale or otherwise general credit – choosing how one responds (rather than reacts) will often decide how events in the future will transpire. No one should get away with lying or deceiving to excel in their career, however, whining about it or generally complaining is a surefire way to be ignored and to start drama.
How to Deal with Office Politics
Politics often arise and continue due to a feeling of being cheated or treated unfairly. This is allowed to then fester inside a (generally promoted) competitive atmosphere. The good news is that there are a multitude of solutions and methods to help any one succeed. To follow are some common, but productive ways to thrive in politics.
While it is far easier said (or typed) than done – keep business as business. Business is not personal; make sure it stays that way. Remember to ‘leave work at work’, not taking the politics and drama home. Avoid mixing personal and work issues (for example, do not be Facebook friends with coworkers but rather associates on LinkedIn).
Be successful by taking initiative. One will not only enjoy their position more, but they will become noticed. There are not very many employees out there really working at one hundred percent and taking ownership of their work. By being a better employee one can separate themselves from the rest.
Diversify, branch out beyond one’s department and meet people across the company. Meeting people across several departments could help one have the next great idea in addition to having more political pull. Not to mention a more popular position.
When issues do arise, try to be in the middle. Avoid picking sides – think of Switzerland’s status in every prior war. It’s hard to hate the neutral country/person.
Find an outlet for frustrations. Be sure to vent and gossip on personal time – not the companies. No one at work wants to hear about the dramas of personal life. On the flip side, acting professional and being polite in regards to those who do try to share personal issues will go a long way.
Make practice of ‘think before you speak’ (or reply an email).This goes back to respond rather than react. Take a moment to step back from issues and ‘cool-off’ before responding.
Implement and Succeed
Perhaps the greatest challenge is implementing these solutions. However, knowing that politics can help, rather than hamper a career is great motivation. Approach the implementation of a ‘campaign’ in a calculated manner. Find the root to the problem and identify it. Learn about the issue – is it like the ones given above? What provokes or helps the situation? Devise solutions to the problem and implement them. Track the progress of solutions and adapt where necessary.
Josh Bennett - I have my AAS in project management and a triple minor BA in management, business and social science.
