Sigh! Office Politics! How to avoid them

Let’s face it. We all know about #officepolitics and in a way, we participate in it as well (sometimes at least). Office politics is all about the use of influence to gain personal or professional advantage in the workplace or to gossip about someone we don’t like. While some degree of office politics is inevitable and even beneficial in any organization, it can also be harmful and stressful when it involves gossip, rumours, backstabbing, favoritism, or sabotage. It can impact the psychology and emotional health of people around you. So, if you are a person encouraging it, stop it now!

How can you stay away from office politics and focus on your work? Here are four tips that can help you avoid unnecessary drama and conflict in your workplace.

1. Be friendly, but not too friendly. One of the best ways to stay away from office politics is to maintain a professional distance from your colleagues. While it is good to be cordial and respectful with everyone, you should avoid being too close or personal with anyone. By doing so, you can prevent yourself from getting involved in their issues, opinions, or agendas. You can also avoid sharing too much information about your own life outside the office that could be used against you or misinterpreted by others.

2. Focus on performing your job well. Another way to stay away from office politics is to concentrate on your own tasks and goals. We need to forget that to exceed, you don’t need to put someone down, but work hard and prove the capabilities of oneself. By doing so, you can show your value and credibility as an employee without competing or comparing yourself with others. You can also avoid getting distracted or influenced by what others are doing or saying. Instead of worrying about what others think of you, focus on what your boss expects from you and how you can meet or exceed their standards.

3. Remain neutral in negative situations. One of the most effective strategies for staying away from office politics is to always remain neutral in negative situations. By doing so, you may help avoid additional conflict or de-escalate situations by not taking sides, blaming others or spreading rumors. You can also try changing the subject, making a joke or walking away when someone tries to involve you in gossip, complaints or criticism. Sometimes it is better to leave than staying and giving credence to the rumor by your presence.

Staying away from office politics may not be easy, but it is possible if you follow these tips. By doing so, you can protect yourself from unnecessary stress, drama, and conflict in your workplace. You can also focus on your work, your goals and your growth as a professional.