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.