HOW TO DEAL WITH Office Politics (1 of 2)

In our workplace, we often find ourselves navigating a potential minefield of various personality types and as we strive to blend in, we sometimes end up feeling a certain loss of identity or even dignity. This arises from the fact that on the one hand we want to be strong and on the other, we feel the need to harness our reactions and comments in order to keep the proverbial ‘peace.’

We would experience fewer problems in the realm of office dynamics if only we could successfully make a clear demarcation and place the ‘good of the organisation’ ahead of our personal agendas and egos. But then, along with ambitions comes arrogance and a competitive spirit. It is this personality trait that Lands us into hot water in the work place. Let us examine therefore, how we can put these aside and view the big picture. We must realise that a personal victory over a co-worker is not a victory in the end; it is simply an empty, petty triumph, which does more harm than good in the Long run. Bearing this in mind, Let us take a Look at some of the issues we face day after day in the office, and equip ourselves to handle them.

HANDLING VICIOUS GOSSIP

Harmless and Vicious. Harmless gossip is good for you; it is often called the office grapevine. If you keep your ear to the ground on this one, you will stay informed and get a chance to capitalise on opportunities. This brand of gossip will include new appointments, promotions, new clients, company diversifications, etc. It is the second category, ‘Negative Gossip’ that is poisonous. This includes personal rumours, accusations and untruths among other things. Negative gossip, no matter what the intention, is unethical and can cause irreparable damage to your professional reputation. Avoid it.

TRY TO:
• Draw a clear Line between work and personal life
• Tactfully do a one-on-one confrontation with the source if you
become the target. Do not vent your feelings to co-workers.
• Tactfully but resolutely state that you don’t want to hear the
details of someone’s private Life and excuse yourself; if you are
invited to participate in malicious gossip.
• Move away when people gossip. Simply sitting quietly while
other people spread malicious rumors makes you a collaborator.

DEALING WITH INEFFICIENT COLLEAGUES

Every individual brings to the workplace their particular character and personalities. The wise ones acknowledge this, and find ways to handle each personality with tact, thereby maintaining the delicate interpersonal dynamics of the office environment. This particular scenario is no different.

YOU WILL NEED TO:
• Closely study members of this group.
• Identify the inefficiency areas, since these are the cause of
insecurity that has probably given rise to this particular
behaviour.
• Identify areas of efficiency.
• Applaud the efficiency whenever an opportunity arises.
• Very tactfully, help out in areas of inefficiency. The fact that
you helped must remain strictly between you and your colleague.
• Once you build up a rapport of trust, you will cease to be a
threat and there will be no reason to gang up on you.

(end of part I)

Ruthless ambition, Mammoth egos and personal rivalries are an inescapable part of Office Life