Office politics exist in every organization. From differences in opinion to varying agendas, many conflicts and power struggles lead to the playing out of politics in any office. While there are many ways to work through office politics when caught in the line of fire, the best option is to avoid them from the outset whenever possible. Here are four effective ways to sidestep the politics in your office.
Be Real
The best way to avoid being the next target of conflict in your workplace is to always be real and to also stay positive. Those with secrets to hide or who conceal information for any given reason are often soon caught in the cycles of scandal and gossip.
Be transparent in the work you complete and always remain positive while on the job. This will attract positive attention to your work desk rather than negativity.
Pinpointing the gossiper in any office is easy. This is usually the employee eavesdropping on the conversations of others and then running to spread the juicy news to any willing ears. When you see a gossiper coming your way, turn on your heel and fun – fast.
Gossipers are the main rumor mill instigators and nothing positive comes from associating with them. Rather, associate with real and positive coworkers to steer clear of office politics and controversy.
Stay Focused
You were hired to do a job. So, do it. By completing your work to the best of your ability, you’ll be naturally rewarded for a job well done. Having a strong work ethic will also help you avoid being the target of speculation as to why you were chosen for promotions and pay raises rather than coworkers.
While other employees become caught up in the office rumor mill, you’ll be stepping over their petty actions towards the path of increased career success. If you work in an open office environment, bring headphones to work and listen to music or use other forms of distraction to steer clear of distractions.
Don’t be Overly Personal
Connecting with coworkers is important but the building of office relationships must be done with caution. Avoid giving out overly personal details to coworkers until you’re certain of the authenticity of your relationships with those coworkers.
Also, if a coworker betrays your confidence once, don’t offer the chance for it to happen again. This means stepping back from a coworker who has misused your trust in the past and by instead sticking to work-related discussions in the future.
Office politics are tricky business. Getting caught in the center of an office power struggle or partaking in the workplace rumor mill can set you on the fast track to controversy and complications. Rather, sidestep the issues by always being real and by being a rock star at your job.
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