How to Survive Office Politics and Kill it
- Sellerose Riel
- Oct 6, 2016
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 18, 2022
Politics in the workplace is something you can't avoid in huge or even small companies. And developing political competence is not a choice but merely a necessity.
Below are some points on how to manipulate and play politics without selling your soul.
Prevention better than cure
Set a good start. Play positive politics; although your boss or co-workers may get you, it is acceptable to avoid backstabbing. Here are a few positive techniques you may use:
1. Deliberate kindness to your associates. You may use their help sometime.
2. Be friendly to all. There is no need to show disagreement unless it is a do-or-die situation.
3. Respect your higher-ups; they may defend you when you need it.
4. If you perform tasks that aren't in your job description, let everyone know you fulfilled the duty. Do not let your boss take the credits.
Keep your Radar out
Give time to understand your working environment. Playing positive is not enough; a person will always want to steal the promotion you're raving about. How would you know who your rival is?
1. If someone is always opposing your suggestions and ideas.
2. He is easily annoyed, rolling his eyes, and doesn't pay attention when you are speaking.
3. When speaking personally to a maniac, he is eager to cut the conversation short.
When being back stabbed
You may want to confront your antagonist despite playing positive, keeping your radar, and still backstabbed.
1. Seek others' sympathy, and ask everyone's opinion, for example, "I'm afraid Annie is annoyed with me. Do you notice? Anything you think I should do?"
2. When someone rolls his eyes at you, respond strongly. You may use humor for that. For example, " Jake, I notice ideas putting you to sleep. Did you party last night? Or do you have brighter ideas? Care to share?"
3. Confront the backstabber. For instance, you may say, " I noticed you are annoyed with me. Do we have problems? Or, if the annoyance is obvious, "You are holding a grudge against me. Do you want to share, or I'll talk to the boss."
Above all tips, prevention is the best. In addition, a positive vibe in the workplace is essential in increasing employees' wellness and productivity and reducing stress levels.
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