Ask anyone in corporate America about the pitfalls of their job and they're likely to mention office politics as one of them. It doesn't matter where you work; there will always be an underlying vying for power and influence. Because there is no way to escape it, you might as well learn how to play the game. Below are seven key strategies to understanding and successfully maneuvering office politics.
1. Develop the proper mind set
Office politics are based on differences in people's relational and communication styles. When we accept that everyone in the workplace is different, and therefore has different expectations, views, and even aspirations, we can begin to not take the politics personally. After all, office politics is just an extension of what surrounds us in everyday life - differences.
2. Be a good worker
If you're striving to do what is right for the business, it is difficult not to come out ahead. After all, who's going to argue with you if you have a sound plan and are undertaking an effort that will make the company more successful or profitable? This approach is also likely to receive praise from peers and accolades from those above.
1. Develop the proper mind set
Office politics are based on differences in people's relational and communication styles. When we accept that everyone in the workplace is different, and therefore has different expectations, views, and even aspirations, we can begin to not take the politics personally. After all, office politics is just an extension of what surrounds us in everyday life - differences.
2. Be a good worker
If you're striving to do what is right for the business, it is difficult not to come out ahead. After all, who's going to argue with you if you have a sound plan and are undertaking an effort that will make the company more successful or profitable? This approach is also likely to receive praise from peers and accolades from those above.
3. Learn how to influence difficult situations
Let's face it, we all find ourselves in situations that we don't like. In business as in life, we have a couple choices on how to handle these situations. The most commonly chosen one is to complain and lament. However, choosing this approach will not change anything. But you may succeed at the task at hand and maybe even enjoy it if you look at the situation as a problem that you can resolve. By approaching a situation this way, you may make yourself the go-to office problem solver.
4. Be impartial when conflicts arise
Differences inherently breed conflict so it is no surprise that offices are filled with it. Although it can be difficult not to side with a trusted co-worker when the office troublemaker starts to create an issue, remain impartial. It is difficult to help solve the situation when you're embroiled in it. Additionally, part of the game of politics involves being liked. If you take sides too often, you may find yourself without a team.
5. Cultivate positive relationships
To maintain maximum influence especially with peers, it is necessary grow positive relationships. In order to do so, you may have to try to help others out of difficult situations or even help them look good when it would be easy to do otherwise. Additionally, whenever the opportunity presents itself, look for ways to seek counsel from individuals more senior than you. They likely got where they are by successfully maneuvering and working office politics, so see what you can learn from them.
6. Seek first to understand the other person's point of view
When you find yourself in a situation that is about to turn ugly, take a step back and try to see it from the other person's point of view. Maybe even listen and then re-state their point of view back to them. This technique is a good way to disarm a defensive person. After all, don't you tend to have more patience with someone who is truly trying to understand what you're saying? Such an approach may not be natural to most people, but with practice it can yield amazing results.
7. Seek win - win solutions
When faced with a difficult situation in the workplace that is threatening to create World War III, why not try to approach the problem from a different point of view. With the help of your "enemy" look for a solution that will allow you both to get what you want, look good, or otherwise come out ahead. It could be a very bittersweet victory.
You may not like office politics, but if you're going to have a successful career you will likely have to get good at playing the game. You take a deep breath and get going!