You’ve probably heard the term’ office politics’ several times when eavesdropping on your parents’ conversations. Now you’re an adult with a job, and you’ve become more familiar with the term and how it comes to play when dealing with the murky waters of the corporate world.
Why is the term so prevalent in the workplace? One word: Power. Power dynamics always show up in every sphere and facet of life, and the workplace is not exempted. You might want to avoid office politics, but the truth is, you shouldn’t. You need to know how to manage it and work your way through it.
Here are some ways you can deal with office politics and not let it get in your way:
Maintain Professionalism, Always
Be professional in all your dealings and ensure you maintain a good standard in all that you do. Do not mix business with pleasure and avoid office gossip and debacles. It’s always advisable to maintain a good reputation as a professional.
Avoid Taking Sides
Conflicts are inevitable in the workplace. However, it’s essential to avoid taking sides, especially when those individuals hold higher power in the office. Even if you’re on someone’s side, don’t verbally or physically show it, so you don’t get entangled into a messy situation, and no one can quote you. This could lead to some bad blood.
Stay In Your Lane
If you’ve got an issue with a co-worker, avoid spreading rumours and gossip. Don’t call names, don’t play the blame game and don’t get dragged into ugly conversations about your colleagues.
Build Strategic Relationships
It’s important to note those who wield the most power in your organization. Look at the hierarchy of individuals heading your company and strategically build strong relationships. This doesn’t mean you should ‘famz’ or act creepy or sycophantic. It just means you should try to align yourself with top decision-makers, learn from each of them and note what you have in common.
Have Formidable Allies
You should make friends and allies in different areas and departments in your organization instead of one department alone. You never know who might be of help to you.
Show Kindness To Everyone.
You should build a good reputation by being friendly and showing kindness to everyone- from those at the apex of the organizational chart to your colleagues and even the office and administrative assistants. Your office cleaner or driver is not too unimportant to be shown kindness to. Saying ‘good morning’ and smiling is so important. Who knows? They might have some form of power to influence decisions being made about you.
How do you handle office politics in your workplace?
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