How to deal with office politics and come out as a winner

 

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word office politics? Is it flattery, backstabbing, or even office gossip to make your way up by getting a promotion and bypassing your colleagues? 

 

Yes, office politics are real; almost all companies and organizations are affected by workplace politics. Office politics are a harsh reality of workplace life that is sometimes very difficult to break. 

 

So what is office politics? 

 

Office politics is the workplace dynamics with a negative definition attached to it. When company employees use informal networks or channels and unofficial power centers in the workplace setting to benefit their career or position in the office, it is called office politics. 

 

Office politics can take various shapes, such as backstabbing a coworker or gossiping about an employee to tarnish their image so that they can't get a promotion. Another example is someone sucking up to your boss to get a promotion by bypassing other colleagues who deserve the promotion instead. 

 

Workplace politics can be destructive and make you demotivated and feel under-rewarded. It can therefore cause a sudden decline in your performance. A person victim of office politics can also decide to quit the job as he feels cheated and poorly treated by the office system.

 

So, it is clear that workplace politics is a harsh reality of corporate life, but it can be dealt with if you handle it tactfully.  

 

So let us figure out how to deal with office politics and emerge as a victor!

 

The first step is to analyze how political your organization is. All offices are political to some extent, but you must determine how political your workplace is and act accordingly.  

 

1. Analyze the power centers 

 

First, you should analyze the organizational hierarchy to understand the formal structure and power flow. Take some time to observe the same and determine who all the people who call the shots. You may be surprised to discover that most political power lies not in formal job roles and titles but elsewhere. And these are the primary influencers that you should be aware of. 

 

 

1. Understand the informal power networks

 

All organizations have informal networks that can yield authority. So, now you know who calls the shots, you can use these informal networks to know them better and even come in their good books. 

 

1. Build meaningful connections

 

Once you understand the informal power networks and interaction flow in the organization, start to build your social network in the office and with people you think can benefit you. Try to connect to these politically influential people and work your way up to them. But always ensure you are not flattering them too much, or you will be exposed. 

 

1. Neutralize the negative office politics in the workplace

 

Now that you know how the power dynamics work in your organization and have some good social connections be aware of your surroundings and try to neutralize the negative office politics by not being part of it. Make all attempts to make the workplace environment more positive than adding fuel to the fire. 

 

For example, if you hear sensational gossip about your manager or a coworker, determine the credibility of the source of the rumor and think before you further pass it down to someone else. 

 

It is always advised to remain professional and not spread gossip. You should choose carefully the secrets you are going to reveal.