ALT-3 How to Handle Office Politics
Politics are part of life. Politics impact the local community, the tax rate and the daily life of everyone. Politics are part of the workweek experience of almost every office employee. There are daily situations that create tension within the workplace. Politics is science of administration and management.
Every workplace deals with the inner workings and interpersonal relationships that create a political environment. Politics of the office environment can be confusing and more than a little difficult to handle. The following are a few suggestions for people to handle those difficult office politics.
Rise above low behavior
Office politics are often a source of pain and conflict. One person mistreats another, the victim then mistreats someone else and the vicious cycle continues. Office politics cause co-workers to react and respond to negative and hurtful behavior in harmful ways. Whenever a person stoops to retaliate or get revenge, it lowers their ability to perform. Employees can become so absorbed with the retaliation that it impacts their work.
Getting even or settling the score does nothing to bring satisfaction. Sadly, retaliation will only make matters worse. The best way to handle negative treatment is to rise above the low behavior and act in an ethical and moral manner. The moment that co-workers can cause lower than ethical behavior, they have succeeded in degrading the victim’s character.
Refuse to participate in gossip
Gossip is nothing more than a toxin that infects office environments. Gossip is problem that almost every workplace has to deal with. Gossip is not a gender issue because it is spread by both men and women. Gossip is not a specific cultural issue because nearly every free society is plagued by gossip. Gossip is an issue that impacts society as a whole and affects people around the globe.
Things to remember about gossip
- Words do contain power: Words can build up or tear down
- Understand that gossip inflicts pain
- Gossip spreads like wildfire
Focus on remaining positive
Maintaining a positive attitude is half the battle with office politics. The reality is that office environments have a way of sapping the strength and positive energy out of employees. The importance of maintaining a positive attitude cannot be overstated. Staying positive allows employees to handle stress more effectively, manage change more easily and remain focused for longer periods of time.
Be willing to admit mistakes
One aspect of office politics that causes a great deal of frustration is a lack of honesty. Employees often work hard to cover their mistakes, make excuses for their mistakes or blame others for their mistakes. The reality is that people need to be honest and admit their mistakes. Taking responsibility for work related mistakes may not be easy but it is the right thing to do.
Office politics can create frustration and anger in the workplace but rising above the fray is not as difficult as many think. Refuse to participate in the idle office gossip. Remain positive in attitude and in work ethic. Be willing to admit when mistakes are made and work to resolve them.
