By MJ Gonzales│Trade & Travel Journal
Silence doesn’t mean harmony like being always in the middle doesn’t mean you’re not involved. This is any working person’s concern when it comes to office politics. Though they do not wish to be part of any camp, they also cannot easily shrug politics off particularly if what’s in line is their career.
Office politics is actually good because it’s a manifestation of competitive spirits and having two sides that can make a company successful. It will only be bad if there’s no compromised agreement that comes out and when people involved get personal with their opponents. What will you do then to work without being caught in the middle or be the center of this politics?
Expand your connection and earn their trust
Being friendly is good, but remember it just the first step. What you need to do is to be professionally connected to everyone or each camp. In fact, if it’s just in your personality, you can have core groups for each departments of your company and it will help you to be protected away from any arguments.
Of course, you can still share your opinions especially if you’re also affected. But with their deep understanding of your personality, your focus is to work and not part of any argument.
Be aware of who’s who and which is which
Knowing what’s the issue and who’s involve in it is not gossiping. It is gossiping if people fabricated, spread, and add misleading information. You just have to know the fact so you’ll how to interact with your office-mates, whichever groups they belong. You don’t want to say they possibly hate or will trigger argument, right?
“When you consider the root of office politics, most of it comes out of fear or greed. The fear of losing something or looking bad, or a desire for greater power, can drive a human being to behaviors that may not be the norm for them. As a leader, you must take a curious and mindful stance, rather than jump to conclusions or judge the individuals involved. Ask questions that will reveal their fears and put on your coach hat. Listen attentively to help both parties feel heard and validated. Once you understand their goals and concerns, agree to a joint course of action, Marla Tabaka of The Successful Soloist, shared on Inc.com.
Be goal-oriented and that’s include to mind your own business
In the first place, you enter in the company because of your personal reasons like to have career growth, better compensation and practice your profession. You only get distracted along the way because office politics become part of the package and if you take it to your system. So instead of focusing to other issues of other people, prioritize your own goals and good intentions. At the end of the day, it’s you and your service in company is what matter.
