How to Manage Office Politics

Office politics are unavoidable; people bring their unique needs, thoughts, fears, and ambitions to work. Despite people’s claims of hating office politics, like the gossip mill, it continues to flourish. Office politics are the unwritten rules that determine who gets what, when, and how — a promotion, a budget for a project— and who doesn’t. We dislike office politics so much because our fate depends on these unwritten rules. But there are ways that you can successfully navigate office politics.

Examine the cliques. The so-called real world has so much in common with seventh grade. As is the case in any middle school, your workplace will have informal groups and social cliques.

Build your network. Make connections outside of your immediate team or department. Cross the boundaries and hierarchies. Don’t fear those with political power. Instead, get to know who they are. Build relationships

Develop your soft skills. Office politics are all about interpersonal interactions. Proceed with emotional intelligence. Self-regulate. Censor. Think before you act.

Don’t stir the ashes. Avoid spreading rumors and unsubstantiated gossip. Office politics are a dirty game; don’t soil your reputation.

Know when to keep your mouth shut. Sometimes the best course of action can be to sit back and listen without offering anything in exchange.

Avoid copying people’s managers. If you send emails in which you always copy the recipient’s manager, people will regard you with suspicion. The same goes for using the BCC.

Know who the gatekeepers are. Focus your powers of persuasion on the right people and the right issues.

Talk it out. When you disagree with someone, have a conversation, not an argument. Always frame your position within the context of the impact on the business, the team, or the organization.

Support others. You get what you give. You need support to get your job done. You will have to provide support in return.

Don’t vent via email. Even if you delete it, email is forever. If you need to write down your frustrations, do so with pen and paper. Go back after you’ve cooled off to determine the need for using the circular file.

The bottom line

When we perceive our workplace as overly political, we are less engaged and less productive. If the office politics at your workplace have made coming to work untenable, it might be time to consider moving on. Your first order of business is to craft a new resume and cover letter. In your resume, you will want to focus on your major achievements, and you will want to be sure that you quantify those when possible. Your cover letter should focus on your skills and accomplishments and needs to demonstrate that you understand the business problems that the hiring manager is looking to solve. Keep it positive, and tell the best possible story of YOU!