When a workplace is full of diverse people, it seems only natural that they will have different opinions, personalities, and ideas.
While politics are often considered taboo at work, they do happen.
So, what exactly is office politics? Office politics is the most commonly used term for the discord that can exist in workplaces.
The clashes based on differences between people at work—can have a positive or a negative impact on the effectiveness of an organization.
What is Office Politics?
Office politics can include flattering the boss; taking credit for other’s work, and sabotaging a co-worker’s project but gossiping and spreading rumors is still the most popular form of office politics.
Those in positions of power abuse their authority over others at the worst of times. This might lead to workplace hostility and resistance.
The trick is to make sure that the institutions in place serve everyone’s best interests.
We want to share some of the easy tricks on how you can deal with the office politics at your workplace:
- Speak up for yourself
It can be difficult to be courageous and speak up. Knowing when and how to stand up for oneself, on the other hand, is a valuable skill to have.
When you or someone you know is being treated unfairly, speaking up will demonstrate your strength.
- Keep it all professional
At any workplace, it is important that you be sociable with your colleagues so that you can bond and connect well with them. However, keep in mind that there is a thin line between sociable and oversharing.
Maintain a friendly yet professional attitude at work unless you have a compelling cause to do otherwise. Clear work structures are created by setting boundaries with your coworkers. It also protects you from being exploited by your coworkers.
- Maintain a positive environment
Everyone has terrible days now and then, but no one appreciates a workplace complainer.
Working long hours may be taxing and draining, both psychologically and physically. However, ranting in a non-constructive manner about your concerns might be distracting for others.
Maintaining a pleasant attitude at work may help you become more likable. It will also make collaborating with coworkers easier.
- Maintaining positive work relationships
When you have strong, positive relationships with individuals around you, it’s a lot easier to deal with business politics. Friendship and loyalty can get you a long way.
In the game of social politics, you want to create a support system that benefits both you and those around you. That way, if you find yourself in a rut, you can feel assured that you have your subordinates to rely on.
To sum it up
Navigating the political scene at work may appear to be a difficult task. However, most of it relies on basic social instincts that we all possess in some form or another.
However, social instincts are not a great suit for everyone. Everyone is put to the test when it comes to learning how to survive in the corporate jungle.
Office politics are an unavoidable everyday thing in any workplace. There are healthy ways to manage them, despite the potential for self-serving exploitation.
All you need to know is how.