There is always the risk within the workplace that conflict will occur. A abundance of different characters often leads to a clash of personalities, and out of this arises the phenomenon of office politics. Dealing with this effectively – and even turning office politics into an advantage - is a vital career skill to have.
Stress in the Workplace
"Managing Differences: How to Build Better Relationships at Work and Home" by Daniel Dana [M&T Books, 2005], states that following research, “60-80% of all difficulties in organisations stem from strained relationships between employees, not from deficits in individual employee’s skill or motivation”.
It is commonplace in modern society for employees and workers to be expected to carry out a greater role or increased responsibilities with the same amount of time and resources available, and this often leads to workplace stress.
In 2008/09 an estimated 415,000 individuals in Britain believed that they were experiencing work-related stress at a level that was making them ill according to the article (“Stress-related and Psychological Disorders", HSE, 2010). Much of this stress arises not from workload, but from conflict between employees. This is not a new occurrence, but instead is commonplace within the working environment.
The Washington Business Journal, ("It Pays to Find the Hidden, but High, Costs of Conflict", 6 May 2005) concluded that a typical manager spends 25-40% of his or her time dealing with workplace conflicts, roughly one to two days every working week.
The Sources of Office Politics
Depending upon the size of the company, there are likely to be many employees from various walks of life, ages and political/religious opinions. Over time, those who find familiarity with others will divide into cliques, and remain in these groups for as long as possible.
However, the diversity of the population at any one time dictates that there will inevitably be those within the business, regardless of their faction or clique, who holds (or is seen as holding) a large amount of power within the office. Employees such as this may blame others for their mistakes, or attempt to belittle or undermine colleagues and co-workers, alienating them and leading to a situation of office politics: the struggle of power or authority within an office, or simply the way in which co-workers interact with each other.
Improve Colleague Relationships
Office politics often occurs when an employee becomes frustrated at what they regard as being a deliberate attempt by another colleague to undermine them and obstruct the achievement of their goals. This may lead to resentment and unwillingness to work with one or more employees within the business. However, this is unadvisable, and it is often encouraged to forge relationships with co-workers – both above and below the authority level of the employee – to enable the opportunity to achieve targets.
Working hard is recommended, but employees must endeavour to distribute tasks to others in order to be viewed as a "team player". If an employee insists on carrying out all tasks in an individual arena, it is likely to provoke a hostile response from others.
Make Friends Across All Groups
As mentioned earlier, employees within a business often divide into smaller factions where similarity of views or interests is found. An employee who is adept in managing office politics should endeavour to network and establish relationships across all groups.
Whilst it is recommended that employees establish contacts and relationships within the business, it is strongly advised that gossip is avoided at all times. It would be considered unethical to spread rumours that could damage a colleague’s reputation, and – if discovered to be the source of the rumour – the employee could face disciplinary action.
By regularly networking with colleagues, the employee can discover and understand the power structures behind the business, such as colleagues or managers who wield a greater influence than their equals. This knowledge can then be used to the employee’s advantage.
Challenge Hostile Behaviour Politely
An employee may find a particular co-worker especially difficult to establish a relationship with, and could even experience the colleague actively setting out to undermine authority and provoke frustration. If this occurs, the employee should approach the colleague privately, calmly and rationally explain any issues, and request that the colleague refrain from continuing with the provocative behaviour. Only if this does not have an effect should the employee seek assistance from those with greater authority within the hierarchy.
Befriend Those With Greater Power
Whilst avoiding "brown-nosing", it is greatly beneficial for the employee to strike a rapport with those of higher authority or influence within the business. This would make it easier for the employee to voice opinions, and may provide a means through which greater authority can be obtained within his or her own role.
Ultimately, each employee must focus on his or her own individual career objectives, and strive to impress those higher in the chain of authority through hard work, dedication, and diligence. This will undoubtedly be noticed after time and possibly open further opportunities for career progression.
A combination of all the points listed above will ultimately stand the employee in good stead to effectively manage office politics – and indulge in them – whilst still furthering his or her career.
Employees should strive to maintain good relationships with colleagues, endeavouring to earn respect and trust through hard work and co-operation. Businesses look favourably on employees who support and praise those around them, and are more likely to offer a promotion to him or her than another.
Ben Wakeling - Lives in England with his wife and two children. Loves writing, photography, and slouching. Ben is currently posting extracts on a blog ...
