For many companies, the game of office politics is a fact of corporate life. Some groups seem to have cornered the market when it comes to feeding the rumors, backstabbing and manipulation. Do you have to assume the role of villain or mole in order to get ahead? Not always. With a little forethought, you can manage these antics office without losing their integrity or avoid altogether.
Politics in the office
When it comes to office politics you have two options: to participate or abstain. Depending on the dynamics of your office, either course of action could cost in the end. Start by taking a closer look at how your office and various groups of employees at the function.
A good place to start is to identify who is doing promotions. If co-workers with mediocre talent are rising through the ranks faster than others, may be partly because they've played the game of office politics as well. In this case, spend some time observing the interactions between the management team and managers and their direct reports. Find ways to align your strengths with what the administration seems to value. Approaching it this way helps you keep some integrity while finding ways to work within the system in his office.
If there is no clear relationship between office politics and what is really important to your job or career growth, do not participate just because of fit in. Engaging in order to be part of the group could ultimately become against you, especially if the game-playing that occurs predominantly at the level of peers and management seems to pay no mind.
Allies and enemies
If you are having difficulty understanding what they are playing politics and that the actors are, to see if you can identify a manager or other senior executive employee could serve as a mentor. Ideally, this person should sit on a higher level than they have been with the company long enough to know what's going on.
Choose someone who not only has a deep understanding of the inner workings of the company, but also has the experience to help you consolidate your career. In other words, do not approach a potential mentor asking them to teach what they know about the office. Instead, focus on building a real working relationship with them. If you've chosen wisely, your mentor likely to give you the scoop without having to ask.
The enemies are harder to detect. While some co-workers will undoubtedly face difficult, others may be more subtle. In fact, the enemy can not say anything at all, but the use of nonverbal cues such as eye rolling, deep sighs and fingers touching while talking. While these behaviors can be distracting, do not let that intimidate you. If you place in front of others, avoid the situation with a little light humor for the person in question.
Other rioters office can not interact with you at all, but repeating gossip or start rumors to curry favor. You can choose to ignore or can be direct and opposite the private person. Do not be aggressive or threatening, but in fact and allow the idea that in his mind, he has a good reason for his behavior. You could even become aware of behaviors that contribute to the problem themselves.
Stay out of the race
You can be on good terms with your co-workers, staying focused on their own work and staying out of politics in his office, but sometimes you'll find a coworker who will try to tempt you each in. These behaviors may be deliberate or unconscious, but there are some ways you can stay out of the fray and not damage the relationship:
* Make it a habit to be discreet and not repeat any secrets shared with you. Its aim is to gain and maintain the confidence of their colleagues, not betray it.
* Do not share information with others who do not want to share with everyone, unless you are sure you can trust the person absolutely.
* When conflicts arise, do not focus on the people involved, but direct your attention to the problem. If you are able to offer suggestions for a solution, do it, especially if the solution has the potential for win-win.
* Remember that office politics is almost always personal. They strive to maintain the personalities of their conversations as much as possible and stick to the facts.
Avoid gossip
One of the telltale signs of office politics is gossip. Again, you have two options: an excuse yourself from the conversation or change the subject. Note that in any way, it is likely that your coworkers will be taken by surprise. Once they understand that we are not willing to participate, there is a good chance you will not try to bring back.
Conflict Management
When co-workers argue, it is natural that the individuals involved to want to get the support of his part of the argument. Whenever possible, avoid taking sides in a conflict that is not involved. Acknowledge the feelings of his co-worker and let him or her to vent her frustrations, but if you want to rise above office politics, maintaining a neutral position. Keep this in mind when the conflict in question directly involves you. Note that when you're angry with, or just do not like someone, how easy it is in contradiction with his statements just because you can. One-raising co-worker may feel very good right now, but in the long run, strengthening the fight between you and gives you gossip in the office something to talk about.
As hard as it may be, to curb the desire to react defensively. Learn to listen to suggestions rather than focusing on the person doing the suggesting. You may find that there is some truth in what they are saying, even if delivery is insufficient. Similarly, defensive driving carefully co-workers. In general, the person more defensive, more may be feeling insecure (this applies to you).
