How do you cope with workplace politics?

At the mention of ‘office politics’, most times, our minds do race to the negative part of politics at workplace. Many people could recall different experiences ranging from how they have been negatively impacted or taken undue advantage of, by co-workers or colleagues who engage in ‘dirty’ office politics in daily operational activities, to how individuals have been badly micro managed during a major merger or acquisition process by managers, who are ready to sacrifice anything just to retain their positions. In fact, some people now freely use office politics as synonym for dishonesty at workplace.

However, office politics should not be all about negative vices at workplaces. It could be good or bad depending on how it is played. Politics as highlighted by Musa (2016), “is the way people resolve differences through discussion, negotiation, or compromise. Musa (2016) also explained organizational politics as “the process and behavior in human interactions involving power and authority”. Politics is a tool which is needed with other input to advance one’s career. It is important to accustom oneself to the politics at workplace to effectively adapt to the environment. Accustoming of oneself to office politic will help to be aware of impacting events and also not to fall victim of bad office politics. Examples of good office politics including networking, influence positively, motivating co-workers, building goodwill, relating socially to follow on new trends and development in and around the office.

Many people knowingly or unknowingly have used office politics to gain an advantage. It is however, not very clear on the thin line between bad use and good use of office politics. Most time, it gives an undue advantage or favour to one at the expense of his fellow. Therefore, it is generally termed bad. Some offices could be so steeped into office politics that co-workers can no longer differentiate between colleagues and political opponent in a partisan environment. Some of the negative effects on office politics as highlighted by the happiness index include; Increases in stress level, Damaged trust, decreased concentration, demotivated employees, negative altitude. When an individual finds himself in this kind of environment, below tips on how to deal with office politics by CNBC (2017);

1.      Reject the pressure to conform to negative aspects of the culture.

2.      Embrace the good kind of office politics.

3.      Keep your friends close.

4.      Be so good you're almost intimidating.

5.      Lead by example

In Addition, Bowman (2012) also advised that “Sometimes you can be professional, and it doesn’t make a difference. If you are in a situation that is really not working, keep your head up and look for something new. Just stay professional”.

Adeyemi, A.

References

Bowman, J. (2012) 10 Things I've Learned from Workplace Politics. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/goodmenproject/2012/06/20/10-things-ive-learned-from-workplace-politics/#62216a3e1846/ (Accessed: 22 September 2018).

CNBC (2017) 5 tips for dealing with office politics when you are a nice person. Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/06/5-tips-for-dealing-with-office-politics-when-youre-a-nice-person.html/ (Accessed: 22 September 2018).

Esquire (2016) Available at: https://www.esquire.co.id/article/2016/2/2780-Hindari-5-Kebiasaan-Buruk-Ini-di-Kantor-/ (Accessed: 22 September 2018).

Musa, S. (2016) Tip Sheet for Leaders on Politics. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/22448188/Tip_Sheet_for_Leaders_on_Politics/ (Accessed: 22 September 2018).

The Happiness index (2018). Office politics – Pros, cons and tips to govern it. Available at:  https://the-happiness-index.com/office-politics-pros-cons-tips/ (Accessed: 22 September 2018).