Handle Workplace Politics

There is no need to be afraid of office politics. Here are a few good tips to help you to deal with politics at the workplace.

Make friends

To fix a toxic work culture, you need to get involved. Studies show that when people feel they don’t belong in a group, their physical health and wellbeing fall down at high speed – so, if you are feeling isolated or not included by negative office politics, it makes sense to try to make friends.

This strategy works with game-playing colleagues – people with bullying tendencies often try to isolate victims, so the more people you have on your side, the less likely you are to be taken advantage of at work.

Document your time

When you are subject to colleagues’ political tactics – such as taking credit for your work – it’s important not to get revenge. Make sure you document your work thoroughly and let co-workers and your bosses’ superiors know what you are doing and have done. This protects your reputation: if your work ethic is called into question by colleagues, you then have a way to prove your productivity.

Don’t take sides

In office politics, it is possible to find yourself stuck in between two power figures who do not agree with each other. You find yourself being pushed around while they try to outwit each other and defend their own position; all at the expense of you getting the job done. You can’t get them to agree on a common decision for a project, and neither of them wants to take ownership of the issues as they are too afraid they will be blamed for any problems arising because of this.

In a case like this, focus on the business objectives and don’t take side with either of them – even if you like one better than the other. Place them on a common communication platform and ensure open communications among all people involved.

By not taking sides, you will help to direct conflict resolution in an objective manner. You will also build trust with both parties and this will help to keep focus on business objectives.

Don’t stoop to their level

When colleagues try to make you look bad or damage your efforts (by taking credit of your work or not acknowledging the work done by you), it is tempting to do the same to them. However, this can backfire: you may come across as small and it is unlikely to change your boss or co-worker’s attitude.

A better way to deal with difficult colleagues is to ask them for a private conversation. This is often the best way to change behaviour, as it requires them to reflect and think on their actions.

Change the culture from within

Office politics should be looked at as something that can be pieced together into a positive aspect. The best way to do this is to praise others, encourage teamwork and be considerate to your co-workers. By making an effort to change the culture to one of kindness and honesty, you can create a better environment for everyone.

Reference/Citation/Source

• How to deal with office politics
  https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2017/may/30/how-to-deal-with-office-politics
• 7 Powerful Habits To Win In Office Politics
  https://www.lifehack.org/articles/work/7-habits-to-win-in-office-politics.html