Office Politics - Navigating the Political Waters

Office Politics - Navigating the Political Waters

Navigating the Waters

Some people take to office politics naturally. You know the ones who are irresistibly likeable and don't appear to have a manipulative bone in their bodies. They always seem to get people to gladly cooperate on projects. For other folks, actively playing the politics game is uncomfortable and feels inherently insincere. Regardless of which category you fall into, it helps to learn how office politics works. At least it could clear up common misperceptions about the practice and help you reevaluate your own motivations and tactics.

Office Politics

Office politics is at the core of all organizations. Paying attention to it can be just as important as fulfilling the responsibilities written in your job description. If you aren't on the watch for it or don't tactfully engage in it, you could jeopardize your career and watch your hard work and loyalty go down the drain. If this sounds like an exaggeration, consider how things work in your own office. People who get promoted are probably heavily involved in office politics. They often voice suggestions for improvements and make themselves known. Those who consider politics beneath them keep to themselves and appear unfriendly or unmotivated, even if they work hard. When budget cuts are necessary, these people might be the first heads on the chopping block.

A Necessary Evil

Office politics is a necessary evil. With over 20 years in the corporate world I have never seen anyone effectively exclude themselves from office politics. Unfortunately it is a sink or swim scenario.  As much we you would like to exclude ourselves, it is impossible.

Integrity

Avoid Gossip

Maintaining your integrity is a hard proposition when you are mired down in office politics. Avoiding office gossip is the number one way to maintain your integrity. The minute you find yourself dragged into gossip you must pull yourself out graciously. I have been as bold to say that I do not partake in gossip. This works if you know who you are talking to. Saying this to your manager is probably not a good move towards ensuring job longevity.

Office Landmines

Without even knowing, you could be offending your boss, coworkers, or stepping on someone else's toes. When you take over a job, a project or even a nice office that previously belonged to a well-liked coworker, it might foster bitterness and make it harder to work with his allies. Being on the lookout for these issues and addressing them could help you make peace with people you might unintentionally be offending. Indeed, the authors of "Enlightened Office Politics" suggest that you owe it to your company to engage in its politics, because it's the necessary avenue to getting things done.

Climb the Corporate Ladder

The Corporate Ladder

Unless you're an expert office politician, you won't get anywhere unless you've proven yourself to some degree. To climb the corporate ladder, you usually can't rely on empty words and promises, but you must be able to impress the higher-ups with a good reputation backed by solid accomplishments. That's not to say your political skills can't help you do this. In fact, political skill might be the best tool. This is where the alliances you formed with coworkers really pay off. Landing a big account or succeeding at a large project usually requires help from all sides, and if you've done well, you can call your allies into action.


Unfortunately, it's possible no one will notice your accomplishments unless you tell them and remind them. It is suggested that you occasionally brag -- as diplomatically as possible -- about your achievements even when you're not interviewing for an open position. If this seems difficult or even unnatural, try to at least convey how proud you are to have made a difference for the company.

Mastering office politics is not only about climbing the ladder. To me, it is more about earning the respect of my peers. The only way I can be effective at my job is to be able to work with my peers every day. If I don't have credibility at my level, worrying about climbing the corporate ladder is a moot point.



Contributors: