Signs of office politics are common in many workplaces. You’re given more responsibilities, but you aren’t appreciated. You work more than your peers, but others reap the rewards. Such behaviors cause anxiety and anger.
But you don’t have to feel helpless. Instead, identify the signs and deal with office politics.
In this article, I’m giving examples of office politics, and how you can win at office politics without harming anyone.
Let’s begin.
Signs of Office Politics
Here are a few telltale signs that some politics is happening in your office.
1- Gossiping and Spreading Rumors
Gossiping is a common sign of office politics. Instead of healthy conversations, co-workers talk behind others’ backs. They want to show they know a lot, and they know some secrets.
However, most end up adding speculated tidbits on their own.
And much of what you hear are rumors and random opinions instead of facts.
Related: Signs of Office Bullying and How To Deal With It
2- Taking Sides of One Team or Other
Taking sides or favoring one team is another ugly side of office politics. Instead of everyone working together, some think themselves superior and refuse to interact outside their groups.
Also, bosses may favor the projects or initiatives of one team more than the other.
Such behaviors can exist between different departments and even within departments.
3- Playing You Against Other Co-Workers
Playing you against co-workers or boss is another dirty tactic of the office politickers. They tell you something bad that a co-worker said about you and try to weaken your trust. Slowly, your attitude towards that co-worker starts changing. Over time, your work gets affected mentally as well as emotionally.
4- Undermining Teammates for Good Work
Undermining teammates when their work is too good is also a sign of politics in the office. Many co-workers feel threatened when they see others getting compliments. So, they try to make others look bad by dismissing their strong work ethic as flattery. Thus, many have to quit jobs because of office politics and unsupportive co-workers.
5- Stealing Ideas and Presenting as Their Own
Stealing ideas and project credits is a common scene in many corporate environments. When you come up with a potential solution, it’s rejected as impractical. But then, someone else suggests it to the boss and is appreciated. And you can do nothing except feel sorry for yourself.
How to Deal with Office Politics
Now that you know a few signs of office politics, here are the best ways to fight with them and play office politics to your advantage.
1- Observe the Influential Structure
Observe the power and influence of different people in the office, irrespective of their ranking or job title. To deal with office politics, you need to understand who your colleagues interact with and how close they seem to be.
When you understand the influence, you’ll know who to ally with and who to stay away from.
2- Maximize Your Connections
Maximize your network in the office and build a positive relationship with as many people as you can. It’s best to go beyond your immediate team and find opportunities to mingle with all co-workers, managers, and executives.
By being in the good books of everyone, you can leverage it in times of need.
3- Stay Away from Conflicts
Stay away from gossips and spreading rumors as much as possible. Also, excuse yourself from gossips, instead of being a part of them. Just being there might be taken as you being involved in dirty office politics.
You’ll make your workplace a little more positive by not fueling the fire.
4- Treat Every Co-Worker Equally
Treat every colleague equally, whether or not they’re your friends. You may enjoy spending time with someone more than others. But while in office, remain unbiased and treat everyone the same.
When you treat everyone equally, your views will be objective if some conflicts arise.
5- Seek to Understand Things
Seek to understand others’ perspectives before putting forward your views. This way, you build trust and lay the path to proper communications in case of conflicts. And you can escape from being a victim of office politics.
Also, when other people feel understood, they won’t be hostile towards you.
6- Avoid Back-bitching
Avoid back-bitching and getting personal about your colleagues. People remember moments when you insult or humiliate them. And when they get an opportunity, they can make a toxic work environment for you.
If you have a problem with anyone, better tell them directly.
7- Think About Win-win Terms
Think about neutral terms for both parties whenever you get into conflicts. It’s much better to come up with a solution that is acceptable to both parties. It helps you build connections and win in the long term.
You’ll also be the one who is interested in getting things done and not office politics.
8- Learn People Skills
Learn relevant people skills to detect the warning signs of office politics and deal with them quickly. By having those skills, you can understand others’ behaviors and emotions, and build quality relationships with everyone.
It will also help you move above politics, keep everyone together, and advance your career.
Reading good books on office politics also prepares you to deal with it.
Essential Skills to Handle Workplace Politics
Some of the important skills to win at office politics are:
1- Sincerity
Sincerity allows you to build credibility. When others consider you sincere, your views are taken seriously and you’ll make better relationships. It enables you to become an influential person in the office.
2- Self-awareness
Self-awareness helps you understand what’s important for you and your work. By being aware of yourself, you stay away from negative office politics. You also realize how others see you and how your behavior affects them.
3- Observational Skills
Observational skills are helpful in noticing interactions and behaviors, and the subtle signs of office politics. Being conservative also makes you aware of the things happening around you and how you react to them.
4- Communication Skills
Communication skills are essential to understand your colleagues. You become better engaged and considerate while listening and respond accordingly. Effective communicators also form their messages clearly.
5- Networking Ability
Networking ability helps you bond with different people. You’re better able to form relationships with influential people in the industry. And these bonds help you sail through foul games being played in the office.
Frequently Asked Questions about Signs of Office Politics
1- What are examples of office politics?
Examples of office politics are gossiping about teammates, spreading rumors, stealing ideas, undermining others’ efforts, and taking sides.
2- How do you recognize office politics?
The best way to recognize office politics is to observe the behavior of different people around and with who they interact.
3- Can you have political signs at work?
Ideally, you shouldn’t have political signs at work. Political affiliations and beliefs are personal, and they shouldn’t affect workplace behaviors.
4- How do you deal with office politics?
Observing the influential structure, making reliable connections, and having people skills are among the most effective ways to deal with office politics.
Final Thoughts
You’re bound to face some sort of office politics in your workplace. It’s unavoidable. But now that you know how to spot the signs of office politics and how to deal with them, I hope you’ll be prepared to handle them better.
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