Today’s work place is very competitive. You will need to have a variety of skills that will give you the competitive edge needed to succeed. You don’t have to work in an office to be familiar with the term “office politics.” Anyone who has ever had any job, anywhere, knows that the dynamics among those who are part of the work environment play an important part in how a business is run. “Office politics” seems to be an increasing problem. It’s a persistent issue at the workplace. In its simplest form, “office politics” is simply about the differences between people at work, differences in opinions and the different paths that employees choose from in reacting to specific situations and tasks. It all comes down to human communications and relationships. Some call it “office politics”; I don’t. I call it office professionalism and overcoming the daily chaos and challenges that we face daily in pursuing job accomplishment.
Studies have shown that nearly 18% percent of people’s time at work is spent resolving conflicts amongst employees. That is more than 9 weeks out of a year. That is a tremendous amount of time. On top of that, employees, supervisors and managers spend almost 65% of their time communicating with their staff in some fashion. What is happening is that employees and managers who have to concentrate on the aspects of office politics, unprofessional behavior, and personnel conflicts are spending less time paying attention to the technical aspects of their jobs. This can lead to financial loss and into job loss.
As a professional, you are on the front lines. You will be interacting with customers, clients, co-workers, and managers on all levels. If you want to shine, and rise above the unnecessary aspects of “office politics”, there are some things you can do. Remember – managers are spending nearly 18% of their time dealing with employee conflicts and unprofessional behavior. Being a professional, delivering products, pleasing customers, rising above challenges is what you need to be known as. Being one of the employees who take up your management’s critical time due to behavior and conflict issues is not.
Below is an excerpt from an article by The National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) that discusses rising above the crowd and overcoming the negative aspects of office politics. It makes great points and reminds us of the things we tend to forget in the midst of the daily grinds our jobs bring.
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10 Secrets to Mastering Office Politics
1. Stay positive. A pleasant disposition will get you everywhere. Even on those really hectic days when the last thing on your mind is spreading good cheer, keep in mind that people are always watching you. It’s important to move your negative thoughts to a back burner and smile in the face of chaos.
2. Choose your words wisely. Make sure the words and phrases you choose reflect your upbeat attitude and team player philosophy. Negative remarks, even casual ones, will be remembered far more accurately-and for a lot longer-than all the positive ones you make. Avoid phrases such as, “I can’t help you,” or “I don’t have time.” They send a message to your boss and colleagues that you aren’t a team player and that you aren’t a good time manager. You can’t allow constant interruptions, but you can offer conciliatory statements such as, “Let me finish this memo, and I’ll make time to lend a hand,” or “I’m on deadline right now, but why don’t you le me ask Joanne to help you.”
3. Listen well. ALWAYS keep your ears open. You never know what you’ll hear. The better listener you are, the more productive and effective employee you will be. So listen well, not only to your bosses and colleagues to prevent miscommunication but also to “sour apples,” so you’ll know who to avoid allying with.
4. Don’t sling mud. Once words are spoken, or written, it’s difficult to take them back. Count to 10 before you speak. Take a walk around the block. Excuse yourself to go to the restroom. No matter how much you may personally dislike a boss or colleague, keep those thoughts to yourself-it’s not only unprofessional to cut someone down, it can hamper your success at work. And it sure isn’t very nice either. If you need to vent, write about it in your journal at home or talk with someone outside the office-as long as it doesn’t betray confidences or risk making its way back to work.
5. Don’t burn bridges-no matter how tempting. No one gets to the top alone, so make sure you don’t forget all the people you have met along the way. If you appreciate and understand the importance of their role in your life, you will have a stronger network of supportive, encouraging allies.
6. Networking is key. We all need friends and allies in our corner, supplying us with information, assistance, job leads, support, quick answers, encouragement, advice, insight and inspiration. If you’ve got a strong network, you’ve got a powerful resource. You’re more likely to have the positions and work life you really want.
7. Salute the general. Part of your job as a professional is to make your boss look good. It’s up to you to set the tone for the office by showing respect for the boss’s position and authority.
8. Stay on top of your game. The competition for the best jobs is intense. You must update old skills and learn new ones constantly to maintain your value in the workplace. Read professional newsletters and books, take courses, consult online resources and keep an open mind to new and better ways of working.
9. Display grace under pressure. Offices will get even busier, more demands will be made upon you, pressure will increase. If you blow your top, you won’t survive. Make a habit of donning “your professional face” and letting things go.
10. Think money. Always keep your eye on the bottom line: That’s what your boss is doing. Seek ways to cut costs, beat the budget and increase profit. If you keep your eye on the money, you’ll always win the hearts of management.
Ensure Your Success
Now that you know the unspoken rules of the political game, here’s a primer on other key political points you need to know.
1. Play positive office politics. Search out opportunities to turn co-workers into allies. Expanding your sphere of influence or your network of supporters is key to getting your work done faster, easier and getting home at a reasonable hour. Of course, these arrangements should be to your mutual benefit. Take on extra assignments, even the boring ones. Offer to assist a colleague working under the crush of a deadline. Help where you can, and where you cannot, refer your co-worker to someone who can. Use your accumulated influence to gather information, add allies and make your job easier.
2. Be a team player. Offices are collaborations of people working together to achieve common goals. If you disrupt the flow of information exchange, or grumble loudly when asked for help, you risk alienating yourself from your co-workers. It’s important to put aside personal differences or issues for the good of the whole. Being a team player means doing what you can to help, whenever you can-even if it means temporarily setting aside your own work. You may need their help later.
3. Think ahead. Always look for ways to get your office’s work done faster and easier. At the very least, try to anticipate problems and prevent them from growing into needless disasters that absorb tremendous time and energy. Forward-thinkers accomplish more in less time simply because they are always on the lookout for ways to get ahead of the game.
4. Work effectively for multiple bosses. Today, many administrative professionals report to more than one boss. Multiple bosses can mean more complexity and conflicting priorities in your work. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of your bosses to set the overall priorities for the work you do. Your responsibility is to work productively and creatively within the overall priorities your bosses have set. If you can’t avoid violating the priorities and deadlines you have been given, then it is appropriate to take the matter to the bosses involved. If you do, offer whatever alternatives you can (e.g., bring in additional help, work overtime, put one job ahead of the other) and leave it for them to decide.
