Politics at workplace: 5 things you need to know

Shubhra Hajela
Jul 27, 2017 · 7 min read

If you are reading this, chances are that you are or have been a victim of politics at workplace. Don’t worry. Most of us have been there. Believe me, you are not alone. But you feel/felt sidetracked at your office when others ‘played politics’ with you? While others were scheming and manipulating, you were working hard, focusing on the quality of your produced work and trying to distance yourself from the games others played? Probably, this is where it all started- you considered politics as a choice when in reality it is a necessity.

I am not suggesting that just because politics is inevitable you should promote it or even try to act Machiavellian. No. What I am saying is that a realistic understanding and a practical approach can be taken up so that your interests are safeguarded. Lets have a look at 5 things that you should know and remember about office politics:

(1) Organizations will always be political.

This can be shocker. But it is true. The more quickly you accept it, the better you will understand and perhaps even enjoy the game. Politics involves exerting influence on others with an intention and it is almost a natural occurrence when you work with people who have different interests, values, goals, personalities and work styles. Considering this, much of your work will involve navigating your way to balance the demands of others and your own needs. That being said, the degree of how political an organization is can vary. For instance, some companies can be minimally political (such organizations have clear roles, expectations, standards for promotions and rules are not occasionally broken to suit individual interests) while others can be highly political (offices where in-groups and out groups are clearly defined, favorites are identified, information is shared with few and there is almost a distrust prevailing in the organization).

What can you do? First accept the above fact, take a deep breath and then smile. This will give you courage. Next, study your organisation’s culture. Understand how things work at your office and play by the rules. Its always helps to study the arena before you play the sport. Look for how transparent the work culture is. How accountability is defined and practiced? How are rewards given? For instance, is promotion dependent solely on what your personal accomplishments or does it involve helping your boss son with his internship? Make informed choices.

(2) Some people will have more power than others.

Look carefully where you work. Does everyone enjoy the same status? Same power? Who calls the shots? Who are the ‘important’ people? Who posess inside knowledge? Organisations are not democracies that many declare and want us to believe. They are hierarchies with a formal or informal power structure where some individuals/groups may be valued more than others. While contributions and different opinions might be encouraged, ultimately many a times decisions made are subjective, taken by people who can be more emotional than rational decision makers.

What can you do? True, just as there are people who have an aptitude for music, maths, some also possess innate political talent. These people are typically highly aware of how others see them,know what is expected of them and act accordingly. Identify, observe and learn the politically skilled. Learn how they react, proact in situations. I am not saying that you copy whatever they do. Infact, you might even not agree with everything they do. Learn how they ‘manage’ and appreciate the intent and craft. You can always revise the strategies according to what you think will be right for you.

(3) ‘Just world’ does not exist.

I hate to break this to you, but there are all the chances that despite your best intentions, your work and all your contributions might go unrewarded in the end. A ‘just world’ simply does not exist. Growing up we were taught to believe that the world is a just place, that fairness will always prevail over all our actions. All our acts of hard work will ultimately pay. We believed in it because it gave us the comfort of controllability. Plus, it sounded so moral. Comforting, because it was an utterly simplistic belief that we could control the results by manipulating our efforts. Morally superior, because it sounded ‘right’. Guess what, this is not always true. You might have personally experienced and realised that many a times people do not see your sincere efforts, not everyone notices how hard you work or how good you are at work.

What can you do? First, break this belief that the world will always be fair. What this romance of ‘just world’ does is that it makes one blind to other things that can have an effect on rewards. Worse, it can make you start thinking that the ‘other tactics’ people use are wrong. Such a thinking can backfire. It compels you to see power and influence in black and white. You start judging others and yourself which stops you from making a move. Understand that just as working truthfully is important whats also important is how you present your work and make yourself visible. Assert yourself tactfully and get over the idea that your work alone will speak for you.

(4) All politics is NOT bad.

ou heard right. Politics is neither good nor bad in itself. It gets it bad name when it becomes pathological. There are ruthless players who give sole importance to their personal benefits and in the process crush others interests or hurt what others hold as important to them. In many cases these are the people who harm the organisation’s interests, derail its processes and make things stressful and cumbersome for others. Naturally, this can backfire in the long run as we need others to work and interact with us constantly.

What can you do: First, identify people who play politics pathologically and stay miles away from them. For instance, he/she can be that selfish coworker who loves getting information from you and others but is almost unwilling to share any information he/she possess. Or it could also be the one who does not stand true to his/her words and is neither genuine nor authentic. Secondly, remember to never advance your own personal interest by thwarting or hurting the interest of others you work with. Keep in mind that a win win strategy is better than hoarding every benefit for yourself. Create strengths for yourself and others and don’t forget that keeping others interest in mind is necessary and not just for altruistic reasons.

(5) All politics is not always personal.

Most people run away from politics because they see it as a personal threat. Accordingly they react to it with stress, anger and even sadness. Ponder over this: every evaluation, comment and behaviour is not a measure of your efficiency, worth and character. These can also be an expression of other’s interest, attitude, mood, preference or feeling. Again chances are that many a times people indulge in politicking as a game and might be merely forwarding their interests. They actually might have nothing to do with you.

What can you do? Look at politics as a game. Don’t let it define your worth. Just as in any game-you will win some and you will lose others. Also, resist the urge to jump to conclusions even if you think that politics is directed at you. Take some time to distance and analyse behaviour of others. Don’t respond with a knee jerk reaction no matter how strong it is. You can always seek clarifications if you feel you are threatened and then make your next move. Try not to fog your cognition with your emotions.

Concluding thoughts:

You can hate politics or love it but you surely cannot ignore it. As I said, it is everywhere. Just look around. Can you really avoid it? Chances are that many people who climb up the ladder are promoted not only because they have worked hard but also because they have worked smart. These are people who are bright, industrious and politically savvy. I am not promoting the pathological politics where organisational interests are at risk or where other employees are burdened, suffer stress and burnout as well as have their interests thwarted. I am talking of politics where people rather than a single person can win, where organisations can benefit. Think again now, why sit and cry when you can play, enjoy and win the game?

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