Politics are a part of the workplace, no matter what industry you’re in. And even if you love your job, office politics can make your life miserable. Fortunately, you can use office politics to your advantage. Find out what tips you should follow to better cope with office politics.
One way to deal with office politics is to understand who has the most power in your organization. In reality, the person at the top of the formal organizational structure isn’t always the most powerful. Because politics play such an important part in the workplace, there are often other influencers who don’t have the title of executive or CEO.
Spend some time thinking about who really has the power in your company. Is there someone who seems to mentor others? Or, is there someone who seems to be the brains of the operation? If you know who’s in charge, you can focus on making the right impression with them.
It’s equally important to examine the social structure of your organization. For instance, pay attention to the interactions between people. Who seems to get along, and who butts heads? Typically, workplaces have cliques and popular groups. Pay attention to all the connections between individuals.
After you have a basic understanding of the social groups, analyze them. You should avoid conflicts and situations that involve bullying. If possible, align yourself with people who stay out of drama and seem to help each other progress. In the event that no groups seem to be supportive, consider creating a new group. Look for people who lift you up rather than pull you down.
After you understand the organizational structure and social dynamics, start building your network. Outside of your immediate team, focus on making connections. Take time to meet with the right people. This includes coworkers, managers, and even executives.
You don’t need to be afraid to connect with people above you in the organizational hierarchy. In fact, those connections can be the most valuable. Just make sure your attempts at networking are genuine and that you give as much as you take. When speaking with a manager or executive, avoid being over-flattering. Be genuine and truthful.
Overall, you should be friendly with everyone and avoid being only focused on one group. If you align yourself with one clique, you risk missing out on opportunities. At all costs, avoid being a part of anything against company policy. Issues like bullying and harassment could hurt you even if you’re not directly involved.
When you have strong people skills, you can go anywhere. So, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, it’s a good idea to work on your interpersonal skills. The key to building your network is knowing how to talk to people from all walks of life.
To start improving your people skills, focus on your emotions and how you manage them. Conflict is inevitable in the workplace, and knowing how to manage your feelings during conflict can save you from making a big mistake. As you improve your own emotional intelligence, you’ll learn how to understand other people’s emotions.
Another way to work on your people skills is to practice active listening. When someone talks to you, try to only focus on them. Don’t spend time thinking about your response or daydreaming. Listen to their words and then process them. Strong active listening skills can help you make the most of office politics.
Your relationships can bring your career to new heights. Once you develop relationships with the right people, convey your achievements to them. Without bragging, talk about your achievements. After realizing your talents and skills, someone in your network could take an interest in mentoring you or propelling your career.
With that said, proceed with caution. You don’t want executives or managers thinking of you as a pest or as someone who’s arrogant. Additionally, avoid speaking badly about any of your colleagues. You should let your abilities shine without having to tear down someone else.
In addition to mentioning your achievements to your network, you should ask for feedback.
Whether you made a mistake or just aren’t sure how you’re performing, ask someone in a more senior position for their thoughts. When you do make a mistake, take accountability for your actions.
Although you probably want nothing to do with the person who’s always badmouthing others or who seems to stir up conflict, you shouldn’t avoid these people altogether. Instead, keep them close enough to know what’s going on.
When dealing with these people, be polite. However, you should also be guarded. They might try to spin anything you tell them. Try to understand their goals so you can avoid being a part of their negative politics. If you can stay out of their spotlight, they’re less likely to drag you down.
Typically, manipulators and gossipers are insecure about their own abilities. If you can make them believe that you’re not a threat, they’re more likely to leave you alone.
In the workplace, there are those who add to the problem and those who avoid negativity. To succeed, you need to be someone who neutralizes negativity.
When you hear a rumor, take the time to consider the source. Even if the rumor is true, avoid repeating it. You don’t need to be the one to spread the information. Do your best to be professional whether you’re in the office or at home. It’s easy to gossip when you have drinks or dinners with coworkers but remind yourself that you still need to be professional.
Finally, try not to pick sides. If there’s a conflict between two coworkers, keep your opinions to yourself. Someone could see your opinion as picking a side, and this could lead to animosity.
In the end, being neutral and making the right connections could help you navigate the toughest political climates. It takes time and practice, but it’s possible.
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