Skip to main content

Learn to Play Office Politics


Think you're done with office politics now that you're a small-business owner? Think again. Whether you like it or not-or whether you're even aware of it or not-you are indeed involved in politics. Wherever more than two people come together, in any setting, politics comes into play, and this includes executive suite and shared office situations. So the question is, are you playing it smart? Or are you committing political suicide?

Power struggles are at the heart of office politics. It's built into our DNA to try to overcome any threat, real or perceived. And it's human nature to want to rule the roost. But you don't need to give in to your baser self, and you don't need to learn how to manipulate people. But you do need to learn to play the game in the most honest, self-protecting and helpful way you can.

Number one problem in the workplace: gossip. You know it. You've probably even engaged in some of this poisonous banter. Seemed harmless enough at the time, but maybe later you felt a little stained. How do you avoid this toxic chatter? First: don't initiate gossip within your shared office environment. Don't talk about other people in the office. On the other hand, you want to be open to the office grapevine to keep yourself informed of what's going on, unwritten rules and business trends.

Do you see the difference? Gossip is talking about people. Grapevine talk is idea- and experience-centered. So what do you do when a colleague starts whispering about an office-mate's affair? As hard as it may be, walk away. You don't have to be rude, or give the impression that you're morally superior. You can always give the old "I just remembered I need to email Mr. X! Gotta go!"

15 Helpful Pointers

1. Always be professional.

2. No whining or complaining.

3. Don't criticize someone to someone else.

4. Look for common ground.

5. Use caution when disclosing personal info.

6. Don't share secrets you want to stay secret.

7. Endeavor to be generous instead of right.

8. Keep others' perspectives in mind.

9. Strive to make others look good.

10. Don't make enemies.

11. Help others.

12. Be positive even when you don't feel positive.

13. Smile.

14. Don't be aggressive, but be assertive when necessary.

15. Leave personal problems at home.

A final thought: The best way to handle office politics is to keep it professional at all times. Remember the immortal words of Michael Corleone in The Godfather: "It's not personal-it's business."

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Too Much Of Politics Over Policy: 5 Considerations

Is the American system of governing, and political system, wounded, destroyed, weakened, or, merely, undergoing a period, of extreme distress? Those, who have followed politics, and the national news, for decades, realize and recognize, there is widespread apathy, within our electorate, which probably, largely explains, our relatively, low, voter turnout! In addition, many, who vote, do so, based on the empty promises, and rhetoric of political candidates, as well as their perceptions, personal biases, and prejudice, and, rather than hopes and aspirations, focus on self - interest! Unfortunately, we often, witness, far too much emphasis on partisan politics, over, quality policy, and the needs of the American people. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly review, examine, and consider, using the mnemonic approach, many of these concerns, and considerations. 1. Political/ personal agenda: Who should, versus, who do, elected officials, actually serve, and represent? T...
Post a Comment
Read more

Political Blogs - How to Write Them Effectively

For years you've probably been hearing about blogs, bloggers, the blogosphere, and all things "bloggy". When most people hear the term blog they might think of some geek in their underwear writing unimportant and pointless stuff for other geeks to read. While many blogs might be like this, political blogs are of a different class. Political blogs can be very informative, enlightening, and funny. If you like politics and think you have what it takes to write a blog on politics, you came to the right place. I'm going to share a few tips with you on how to write a great political blog. Even if you don't know how to write like a journalist it doesn't matter -all you need is passion (and a little knowledge). If you don't have strong political opinions then let me stop you right there and suggest you pick a different topic than politics. In order to write a great blog on politics you have to have politics on the brain, meaning, you have to be a politic...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Best Politically Correct Careers For Caring Citizens

Are you looking for a career path that will allow you to help people, help your country and do it in the most politically correct way. Knowing that you will be going with the flow of society where ever that flow leads, without making waves? If so there are a number of politically correct career paths you can take. And perhaps you should be thinking here. Let's explore some of these most excellent career paths for a moment, and then you can pick one and live happily ever after. Are you ready to begin? Okay here we go: An ACLU Lawyer: These are the lawyers that sue on behalf of politically correct causes and if you work as an ACLU lawyer you will be around your own ilk all the time, and you can become very popular and always be at the center of debate with your name in the news. A Reporter for Major Media: Being a reporter can be hard work, but if you have politically correct leanings, you will do well in the industry as so many others, just like you work for ma...
Post a Comment
Read more