Office politics encompasses tactics and strategies implemented by employees to gain influence in a formal setting using informal methods. Some of these methods could be undermining coworkers, taking credit for others’ work, and forming relationships with decision-makers to get promotions. One in four people resign from a company due to the prevailing toxic culture and politics. If handled properly, office politics can inadvertently help your professional career.
We have researched various online forums to create a list of 12 ways to handle office politics.
Build Strong Relationships
Building meaningful connections is the foundation of navigating office politics. Focus on building genuine relationships with your colleagues, superiors, and subordinates. Show interest in others’ work, offer help when needed, and be approachable. Having colleagues who vouch for you or take your side during a moment of conflict is essential in an office environment.
Always be Authentic
Do not change your opinions or make decisions to please people around you. People who don’t compromise on their integrity and maintain their individuality garner respect from their colleagues. Being true to yourself and following up with your commitments builds a strong character. Authenticity breeds trust. When you act authentically with others, colleagues are more likely to trust you. Gaining the confidence of your peers is essential in an environment where office politics are prevalent.
Stay on Good Terms with Everyone
Maintain cordial relationships with everyone in the office. Respond to any hostility or exclusion with friendliness and helpfulness. When there is a conflict between two groups, try to be on neutral ground. Avoiding unnecessary disputes can help you maintain a neutral and objective stance, which is valuable in office politics. If you do find yourself in a conflict, try to resolve it calmly and professionally.
Control Your Emotions
Office politics can sometimes lead to tense or emotional situations. 57% of Americans believe workplace stress hurts their lives. Even when you face difficult or unfair situations, keep your composure and stay calm. Having high emotional intelligence and self-control is critical to handling office politics. It allows you to manage your own emotions while you understand the perspective of others and empathize with them.
Be Transparent and Honest
Manipulation and deceitful behavior can lead to short-term gains, but such tactics often falter in the long run. Honesty and transparency can set the foundation for your personality at the workplace that others don’t gossip about. Being transparent and straightforward in your communication helps your words be understood. Admit your mistakes whenever you falter, and be clear about your intentions. These qualities can help you build a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable colleague.
Focus on Your Work
While indulging in office politics does provide an impetus in your career, it is still the old-school grunt of hard work that helps you climb the success ladder. Engaged employees result in 18% more productivity in businesses. Focus on your work and performance. Maintain a professional attitude and consistently deliver high-quality results. This will speak for itself and make it harder for jealous colleagues to criticize your work.
Manage Your Reputation
Stay educated about how others perceive you. People must take your opinions seriously and give high regard to your reviews. Your personality must be a representative of high credibility. A good reputation can be significant in office politics, as others would look for your insights in any critical discussion. This can lead to more trust from your bosses and more opportunities for advancement.
Seek Mentorship
90% of employees believe that a respected mentor by their side can be a powerful asset in thriving in an office environment. Seek mentorship from an individual in a higher office position. They have more experience within the organization and understand the dynamics and subtleties of office politics. They can share strategies to advise you on handling specific situations like conflicts, power struggles, or misunderstandings.
Maintain Self-confidence
Employees use tactics to undermine other people’s work and make them doubt their abilities. It has been reported that 93% of workers experience a drop in confidence due to others conspiring against them. Don’t let the negativity of others shake your belief in your strengths and values. It’s important to keep not let your focus shift from your goals and professional development, and to not give any heed to outside noise.
Be Adaptable and Open to Change
Office politics often involves shifting power dynamics and changing hierarchy. Being adaptable and open to change is essential for navigating these circumstances. You need to comprehend the behavior of different individuals in positions of power and act accordingly. People must see that you are willing to be flexible with your approach and aren’t rigid with your work.
Market Yourself
If your boss or colleagues don’t know about the work you’re doing, they may fail to recognize your importance. As a consequence, they can talk behind your back and undermine the efforts you put in, which directly affects your growth at the workplace. If you market yourself correctly, it may get easier for you to get timely promotions and salary hikes, among other career advancements.
Stay Professional
You must avoid indulging in gossip and not badmouth anyone. Never complain about the organization to your colleagues, as this can be used against you in the future. Try to adopt a solution-oriented approach and become a beacon of positivity for your peers. By consistently demonstrating professional behavior, you earn a reputation for being reliable and competent. This sets a standard for others to follow, promoting a respectful and positive workplace culture.
