Navigating workplace politics

Goals, values, work styles and personalities vary widely. As we advance in our careers, we must all interact with workmates and deal with conflicts, disagreements or differing goals but we don’t need to participate in the negative practices that inspire the term “office politics”.

Sometimes office culture can feel like a game of gossip, rumours, drama and fight to the death power struggles.

We call this office politics. Following these tips can help you deal with office politics without joining in, running away or pretending these practices don’t exist.

Everyone is not your friend
Trust is earned. Distrust is also earned. As a general rule, avoid sharing sensitive information about yourself but practice being respectful and pleasant to everyone. Take time to get to know the people you work with before developing expectations of them based on friendship. You can maintain a friendly and positive acquaintance with workmates who you don’t know well or who aren’t your personal friends.

Make friends
While everyone may not be a friend, having friends at work matters more than many may think. A study of more than 5 million workers over 35, conducted by the Gallup Organization, showed that “56% of the people who say they have a best friend at work are engaged, productive, and successful while only 8% of the ones who don’t are.” Friends can not only make your work life more enjoyable but they can also help you advance your career.According to the Harvard Business Review, “The number one way people find new jobs is referrals by friends.”

Keep a positive perspective
Choosing to view situations in a positive light can help keep you from assuming the worst about the actions of your coworkers or situations at work. Your positive perspective will show in your actions and how you deal with situations. You won’t be defensive or attacking because you will see the humanity in your coworkers and wait for situations to unfold.Coworkers have bad days or may be fearful, distracted, hurt or angry about personal matters. Their actions or attitude may have nothing to do with you.

Stay focused
Your primary purpose at work is to work. So, do it well and keep that as your priority. Staying focused and doing good work can mean being a team player and working well with others; continuously learning and improving your skills; taking the initiative to offer to do tasks or proposing ideas or methods that can improve your work product or help your team or department.

Be authentic
Who you know matters but who knows you matters more. Office politics can sometimes encourage a culture of flattery and falseness as people try to get noticed by those who have more power. While recognition matters, attention seeking is not your priority. Many people can spot a fake flatterer from miles away and it can work against you to gain the reputation of being a “kiss up”, even if you are not a bad worker. Instead let your work product speak for itself and stay authentic in your relationships with your peers, subordinates and supervisors. Very often opportunities to connect will come as a result of work you’ve done and the good things people have said about you as they’ve worked with you. Being authentic is not only easy on your lips, it’s also more rewarding.

Be assertive
Being aggressive or passiveaggressive can be unprofessional. If a matter needs to be addressed, do so respectfully with the relevant person or persons, not with the office gossip mill. Stay objective and focused on the issue. A calm and firm response shows that you are serious but are willing to resolve the matter.

Be accepting
Everyone will not agree with you or do things the way you prefer. Accept their choice without being forceful with your position. Keeping an open mind, being tolerant and accepting differences can make you more likeable and an easier person to work with.
Employers and clients generally prefer people who are easy to work with.

Work smart, fight smart
Sometimes the little battles can cost you the war so fight wisely. Every comment, mean look or attempt to one-up doesn’t require a war. Your time is valuable so don’t get distracted by pettiness. It’s a sign of strength to let things go and walk away from a fuss if you know the facts are on your side. Every fight can do some damage so avoid battling unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Walk away
Some office environments can be extremely toxic, especially when office politics get out of hand. If you have exhausted this list and still find the situation intolerable, it may be time for you to gather a record of your skills and accomplishments, tap into the support of your friends and walk away from that company to a place that better suits you.

Good Luck,
AFETT
AFETT is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2002 with the goal of bringing together professional women and engaging in networking opportunities, professional training and business ideas. ASK AFETT is a column meant to address issues and concerns of professionals seeking advice to assist in progressing in their careers. Today’s response was written by AFETT member, Debbie Estwick, design/ brand strategist and educator.

Learn more about AFETT at www.afett.com, search for AFETT Events on Facebook, follow us @AFETTEXECS on Twitter or contact us at 354-7130.
Email us your career-related questions at admin.afett@gmail.com.
https://hbr.org/2010/07/whyfriends- matter-at-work-and.html