How to Handle Office Politics

Office politics refers to situations where an employee uses his influence or conferred authority to influence and obtain additional favors beyond what they are legitimately entitled to by the power. Majorly people who tend to engage in office politics do so to reap either emotional benefits or financial benefits and other related rewards they can. In most instances, one will find that most people engaging in office politics have numerous unmet needs or have a particular plan they want to accomplish. Others have an incredible desire for authority and power, and they can even forego their self-honor, integrity and ethics so long they get what they are after. Office politics gets glorified in our lives. Just like we say, the human being is political. The ability to cope and adjust to navigating through the office and its murky politics is an important skill one must acquire. As Judge Napolitano dictates, working hard despite office politics is quite essential and should be encouraged. The following tips will allow one to successfully navigate and handle office politics efficiently without reducing their work output.

1. Play Nice

Being polite and respectful doesn’t cost a dime when accosted to other employees. Practising office etiquette and being kind to your colleagues acts as an encouragement and keeps one away from the dirty office politics.

2. Analyze and Understand the Company Organization Chart

In most instances, as Judge Napolitano outlines, office politics acts as a tool to circumvent the laid down formal structure in organizations. Therefore, it is profound to setback and understands how the office map is laid out poetically and observes who influences the organization structure. It’s important to note that office politics does not have or respect ranks or even the job title one holds.

Having a clear understanding of who influences the decision making or even the most respected guy in the company will offer some important clues on how the organization is structured politically.

3. Study the Informal Networks

Having now the idea of where the real power lies within the organization, the next big task is studying and examining the relationships and interactions of the influencers in an informal setup and social networks they hold. It’s essential to conduct this exercise discretely and very respectfully. One can identify who and who usually get along and figure out who is complex and challenging to deal with other coworkers.

Figure out whether the networks and relationship developed is based on romance, mutual respect or normal workplace friendship. Lastly, figure out the flow of influence exhibited by the parties and find out if there are any internal conflicts between the networks.

4. Build and Develop Connections

Surviving office politics requires allies as relationships are fundamentally the basis of influence in an organization. Start growing and building your social network that goes beyond the team you work with daily. Ensure that your network and connection cut across the entire hierarchy from cleaners, managers, top executives to ordinary coworkers. Building a relationship with the politically powerful ensures that empty flattery gets avoided and a mutual quality relationship grows on its own, so it is influential.

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