Walk a tightrope to survive office politics

KOLKATA: Do you often find yourself at crossroads between two groups in your office? When you enter into conversation with your colleagues, most of the time it is either back-biting or finding fault about others. And at the end of it, you feel lost and irritated. If yes, you are one of the victims of office politics. It is differing values, ideas and culture in interpersonal relationship which often breeds politics in office. The worst part is when it leads to a hostile environment and feeling of enmity. But the ground truth is that office politics simply cannot be avoided. However, you can certainly navigate your way out of this maze with minimal side effects. Read on.

Stay neutral

Experts say the best way to deal with it is to stay neutral. Avoid your best being too close to the numerous camps which might be at work in the entire organisational matrix. Mix with all groups but be sure not to be labelled as a member of any camp.

No gossips

Apart from the fact that gossips consume a lot of your productive time, whatever information you might share then might be used against you in the future. Don’t entertain talks which are often complains. Being silent and listening about it might be interpreted that you agree on the gossip; get the message right across that you are not interested to talk on the issue. Talk about neutral issues like sports, weather, film, music or whatever interests you.

Be a transparent teamworker

Whatever you do, be transparent as much as possible. Don’t pass on someone else’s work or ideas as your own and take credit for it. If you are the team leader, share credit in times of success and take responsibility in times of crisis. This will help you to earn a lot of reputation amongst colleagues and juniors. Treat all co-workers with respect, listen to them and value their contributions. Avoid wrapping ego with work.

Don’t criticise

If you are not happy with the performance of your co-worker or subordinates, make sure that you discuss with him in private or in the worst case scenario through the official channel. Avoid ticking off in public. If you do it in public that might become a hot topic of gossip and you might become the center for spicy discussion.

Believe in yourself

If you are a target of gossip, believe in yourself and your abilities. Things will die down on its own. Approach people who have problem with you and have an open discussion. Avoid acting superior to colleagues in the same hierarchical level. Don’t think of quitting; its the same everywhere. Always remember: quit only when you want to, not because you have to.