Your workplace is certainly the place where you spend most of your time. So it is very important to keep that place devoid of any sort of negativity.
People don’t quit job because of their unwillingness to work; rather they leave the organizations due to the toxic work environment that arises from the rat race, competition and jealousy.
Handling office politics is also one of the challenges readily faced by the associates at work. You might be an excellent employee but if you cannot handle the negativity around you, it will directly affect your performance as well as career growth, which in turn will lower your self esteem, confidence and affect you psychologically in the long run.
Now there are only two ways to deal with this situation. Either you combat it tactfully by adhering to the golden rules or you quit the job and run away from the situation.
But then, quitting is not the right option as the job role or the place might change but the struggle to slog will be the same but in different context. This would imply fighting a battle in a different ground but still fighting day in and day out.
So in order to help to thrive the situation let us work and understand how to solve this problem from the grass-root level. Here are some of the effective tips to tackle this.
1. Be Nice and Genuine
This philosophy is quite true in case of office politics. The world is full of nice people, if you can’t find one try to be one.
Be good to your colleagues but don’t forget to be awesome with your work. This is one of the prime tools which is needed to survive at a stressful work place. The first target should be getting others to like you. This will help you in getting into unnecessary brawls at the office premises.
A wise man will never indulge in an immature fight or ruin his peace of mind for a few idiots around him. He will instead find smarter ways to tackle his competitors.
Read the phenomenal book ‘How to win friends and influence people‘ by Dale Carnegie and make even your cut-throat competitor your well wisher.
2. Don’t stoop down to a low level: Be a professional at all times
Only because your colleagues are Janus-faced, doesn’t mean you too have to become one of them to handle the politics. No matter how much you feel personally about a specific issue, never forget to approach it in a professional way. Be cautious about how you react and what you speak because a single trivial error might cost your job.
Do not take everything personally. Start avoiding petty remarks and destructive criticism! The more you learn to ignore, better it is for your mental peace. Meditation helps a lot in this regard.
Remember that aligning yourself to your team is very important. These team members are your tribe who will always be like a wall in case of any external threat.
3. Be everyone’s favorite
Be genuinely interested in solving people’s problems. Be someone with whom colleagues can share their personal problems, financial issues and family matters. Everybody needs a caring friend. If you can become one, nobody will poke you.
4.Walk the Talk
The best way to get others to behave the way you want is by setting an example. Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change you wish to see in others.” The best way to influence others without being vocally dominating is by leading through example.
5. Be assertive
It is vital to stick to your points especially when you are adhering to the policies in a company. It is never wrong to highlight your contributions in front of your boss. However, it is also important to admit mistakes honestly rather than hiding it under some pretext.
6. Stop Complaining and Start Constructing
It is very easy to curse your boss and crib about the surroundings. You will get ample opportunities to participate or initiate the water cooler gossip but it is better if you indulge in something constructive. Ultimately, you will benefited by your own productivity in a longer run.
7. Mingle with all but keep a safe distance
It is good to be a ‘people’s person’ but be alert at the same time. Last but not the least you should know whom are you trusting. Don’t display all your cards. Have a healthy network connection with everyone but avoid being over pally at work.
At the end of the day you should focus on the big picture which should be achieving your goal rather than being stuck in a pot of politics. Always remember the saying- “value yourself and your work and you will be valued forever.”
Keep your confidence, energy and aspirations high which will ultimately make you happy and satisfied at your workplace.
Over to You
How is your work environment? How do you manage the politics around your desk?