Office politics are an inevitable part of work life, whichever company we work for. Having individuals with different temperaments and perspectives working closely together on a daily basis will result in friction and disagreements. That’s perfectly normal. What matters however, is how we deal with those conflicts and differences.
It’s healthy for a workplace to have different perspectives and opinions – it’s how we learn and grow. But to ensure a harmonious and productive working environment, it’s important to build a culture of diversity and respect. Easier said than done, for sure. But as the wise Mahatma Gandhi once observed, ‘If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. We need not wait to see what others do.” In short, ‘we should be the change we wish to see in the world.’
If you’re struggling to maintain your diplomacy in office politics, here are seven must-dos to help you navigate those challenging waters:
1. Don’t complain about work at work
It’s tempting to vent about our work frustrations, but if you don’t wish to get involved in office drama, make sure you don’t fuel the flames. Best not to complain about work at work – you never know who might be listening in, and you run the risk of having your words used against you.
2. Treat others how you would like to be treated
It’s challenging to stay cordial when someone’s hurling petty accusations at you, or trying to put you down in front of the boss, but if you can rise above it and stay professional, you will earn your colleagues’ and bosses’ respect, in contrast with those troublemakers. You’ll also feel better about yourself by not getting drawn into the negativity and drama.
3. Breathe
If things get too heated, or you receive an unpleasant email that makes you see red, take a deep breath and step away from your desk, or tell your colleagues you need a timeout. Go for a stroll around the block, get a coffee, and take time to collect your thoughts. By the time you get back to the matter at hand, you’ll be able to look at things more objectively and respond with a calmer state of mind.
4. Develop meaningful friendships at work
Everyone needs a support group. By building meaningful friendships at work, you’re ensuring that you have trusted friends to confide in on days when the going gets tough. It also helps to have trustworthy colleagues to lean on for advice and moral support. Having like-minded individuals you can connect with at work makes a huge difference to your job happiness, which in turn keeps you in a calmer state of mind.
5. Keep your distance from the divas and drama queens
There will always be divas and drama queens wherever you go. Some people seek attention to compensate for their insecurity, while others get carried away by career ambitions and desire for power. Whatever their reasons, it’s best to stay away from them if you don’t want to get dragged into their world of petty office politics.
6. Focus on your job
You’re hired to do a job. Focus on doing it to the best of your ability and steer clear of office politics as much as possible. It doesn’t mean not having an opinion. It just means staying calm and keeping things as simple and drama-free as possible. It’s important to bond with your colleagues, but keep the conversation topics neutral and gossip-free.
7. Be careful who you confide in
It can be tricky to spot the troublemakers in the beginning, so take your time to get to know your colleagues before confiding in them things they can use against you later on. Some people can be awfully deceptive. Better to be safe than sorry!
Office politics can be quite intimidating, not to mention stressful and counterproductive. If you find yourself getting worn out by the negativity and toxic energy, it might be time to reconsider your future with the company. No job is worth sacrificing your mental and emotional well-being.
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