I. Workplace Politics

A few months ago, I spoke at an Employee Happiness Conference where someone asked me how he can cope with the stress of office politics. I had a great conversation with the person who asked me this question, and I want to share some more insights with you in this blog post. I will suggest how you can avoid getting overwhelmed by workplace' machinations' and handle them in a smart way.

If you are in the corporate world , chances are you have encountered some form of office power dynamics. This is usually termed as 'Office politics'. Basically its the informal and often unwritten rules that govern the relationships and interactions among coworkers, managers, and other stakeholders in an organization. It can involve power, influence, conflicts, alliances, gossip, favoritism, and more.

This blog is a fun and light-hearted way to deal with a serious topic! So, relax and read this post. I will be glad if at the end of it, you pick a tip or two from this post. #cubiclestoriesbyaditi

Examples of office politics can be:

• The Gossip - Basically a co-worker who enjoys ornamenting information or mention false information, knowingly or unknowingly which can damage your reputation or image. This can make the person seem more knowledgeable or influential, but it can also backfire and ruin credibility or relationships in the long run.
• The brown-noser - The one who flatters and compliments seniors, co-workers incessantly. The one who volunteers for every task and assignment, no matter how trivial or tedious.
• The complainer - This is the colleague who always finds something to complain about. This person is ever satisfied or happy with anything and constantly whines about their workload, their salary, their colleagues, their boss, their clients, etc.
• The know-it-all - This is the colleague who thinks they are smarter than everyone else, has an answer for everything, even when they are wrong or clueless. The one who interrupts and corrects others constantly. The one who acts superior and condescending.

You may have met one or more of these people in your workplace, but don't let them get to you. Remember that workplace politics are not personal, they are just part of the game. And you can play it well if you know the rules.

So how can you deal with office politics in a positive and ethical way?

1. Know the players. To understand the rule of the game, you first need to identify who are the key influencers, your allies, and neutrals in your organization. You can do this by observing how people interact, who has access to information and resources, who gets praised or criticized, and who has the ear of the boss. Once you have a clear picture of the power equations, it is easy to adjust communication and behaviours accordingly.

2. Build relationships. One of the best ways to avoid or reduce office politics is to build positive and respectful relationships with colleagues. This means being friendly, helpful, honest, and professional with everyone, regardless of their status or designation. By doing this, you can earn trust and credibility. And trust is a key ingredient for long lasting honest relationships.

3. Stay out of drama. While it's important to be aware of what's going on in the office, it's equally important to stay out of unnecessary drama. This means avoiding gossip, rumors, complaints, and personal attacks, which can damage your reputation and relationships. If someone tries to drag you into a negative conversation, politely decline or change the topic. If you have a problem with someone, try to resolve it directly and constructively, rather than involving others or escalating the issue.

4. Learn from the situations. Office politics can be challenging and frustrating, but it can also be an opportunity to learn and grow. The workplace is a cauldron of human beings from multiple walk of life. By facing different situations and people, you can develop your skills in communication, negotiation, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and leadership. You can also learn from your own mistakes and better your behavior.

5. Manage your emotions. Needless to say, being in a situation were you are the thick of a stressful situations can be frustrating at times. But don't let your emotions get the best of you. Its essential to stay rational, and positive. Don't take things personally or react impulsively. Think before you speak or act. Use humor to lighten the mood or diffuse tension. Emotions can affect your judgment, behavior, and reputation.

Ultimately, the best way to deal with workplace politics is to focus on your work and deliver results. By doing this, you can demonstrate your value and quickly gain recognition and respect. Be authentic, honest, and consistent.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely personal and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. This blog post is based on own experiences or perspectives and should not be construed as professional advice.