People frequently avoid discussing politics to prevent interpersonal discord. However, that does not necessarily mean that it does not exist in workplaces. What does office politics mean?
Office politics happens because of the differences among people working together. These might be disparities in beliefs, characters, influence, or authority. While navigating office politics can be challenging, they are undoubtedly inevitable.
When unfavorable workplace politics start to brew, it negatively affects employees’ performance and sometimes also affects them personally. Here’s how to tackle office politics and transform unfavorable politics into a productive working environment for yourself.
Don’t Inadvertently Cede Your Authority and Position
We all tend to relinquish control when a situation gets out of hand. True strength can occasionally be overplayed to the point that it turns into a weakness.
If you’re feeling powerless and unproductive because of tension around you, track down the “micro-habits” that sap your productivity. It may be as simple as over or under-stating your stance, improperly presenting yourself at important events, or even smiling back to people.
The percentage of knowledgeable and competent workers who feel helpless in modern organizations is astounding. It is partially a consequence of the heroic dogma, which holds that the only popular leader must be in charge.
Choice and past experiences also play a role. Because of our ingrained beliefs that we “don’t fit here, aren’t sufficiently talented, or are helpless,” we undermine our true selves. These narratives absolve us of accountability for what we should control and compel us to devolve into scapegoating others.
Work On Your Interpersonal Skills
Politics, as we’re seeing, is primarily a product of interpersonal conflicts. Therefore, having excellent communication and interpersonal skills will help create and sustain your connections at work.
Contemplate how you feel about your workmates, the reasons behind them, and your coping mechanism for their behavior. When you’ve thought through all that, you will be prepared to act responsibly and exercise self-control the next time you experience a conflict.
It is also known as emotional maturity, enabling you to recognize other people’s feelings and their preferred or disliked approaches. Also, be a keen listener.
Having a moment to listen helps you calm down, refocus, and uncover new information. The best part is that a good listener are always people’s favorite.
Stay Away From Rumors and Gossip
Avoid engaging in rumors and gossip, keep anything shared with you in secrecy private, and maintain your integrity. Talking harshly about your employer and internal business concerns in public can bounce back on you negatively.
Gossiping and spreading rumors makes you appear unprofessional. When you don’t engage in gossiping yourself, make sure you don’t entertain gossipers around you.
When there’s a serious concern that needs to be addressed, rather than talking publicly about it, please take it to the concerned department/official and report it professionally. Instead of ranting and whining, try to adopt a constructive attitude and provide suggestions.
Maintain A Meticulous Record Of Your Work
In other circumstances, some coworkers can attempt to take control over you and impose that you were at fault for a mishap. How will you prove yourself not guilty as charged?
You can deal with such challenges by maintaining records of your work. The daily activities are usually kept from the company’s systems.
A work log serves as a reminder of your progress and keeps you on target. Every time your position is questioned, the track record of the tasks assigned to you and their progress can prove your performance.
