So, you thought you could quietly go about working long hours with dedication, not bothering about others around you… and yet be successful!
Welcome to the real world where only job competence or hard work is not quite enough for achieving success. After all, don’t many employees with stellar records and all the necessary technical capabilities routinely lose out on lucrative project s, pay raises and promotions or are even fired for mysterious reasons, all attributable to ‘office politics’.
Ah! office politics - the bane of corporate life. It comes in whenever you have to deal with people and is a little akin to the peer pressure you thought you left behind in school. And, there is no getting away as manipulative office games impact your work environment, job effectiveness and also how others see you. You may scream yourself hoarse that, ‘I want to stay out’ or beseech, ‘Leave me alone’, but everyone gets dragged in by hook or by crook.
In fact, politics is everywhere - it is the personality of the company and about the way things are done. So, you can’t escape by quitting your job either. Politics will follow you and the next job may just be worse!
As writer, Paula Gamonal remarks, “Any time you work with human beings, you are subject to the complexities of relationships, trust, credibility, communication, and the other nuances of getting other people to do what you want them to, or not do what you don’t want them to!”
Make it work for you
Its been rightly said that, “The only losers in office politics, are those that refuse to play...” The stakes are high and you have no choice but to figure out how to be politics-savvy to save both your job and steer your career in the right path. It does not have to be bad either – you can do it right with diplomacy and coalition building. And, once you master the social dynamics of dealing with people and getting things done, you can not only survive in political situations but also use it your advantage. A few tips on navigating the political waters:
Build relationships – Build working relationships with people around you, be it co-workers, managers, customers, suppliers, receptionists, consultants or HR. Find a common ground like mutual interests to connect with others. Draw on your social skills and be nice to people always.
Let them get to know you by being approachable, empathetic, showing genuine interest and appreciation.
Network well and persevere in helping others get what they want. It’s all about fitting in and winning trust, as your ‘friends’ will surely support you, side with you and even root for you. You can count on them and even seek their counsel if needed.
No tittle-tattle – Participate in badmouthing colleagues, criticising supervisors, spreading malicious rumours or making people look bad and you will only get it back in spades. Keep yourself unattached in office gossip without taking any sides.
Instead of backbiting someone, clear differences, disputes or misunderstandings by talking it out directly with the person involved. Similarly, do not indulge in futile whining and complaining sessions; seek constructive criticism that can help you improve.
Raise firm objections – While you should not play dirty to advance your own motives or hinder others, do not let people take advantage of you either. Only if you value yourself and your skills, will others respect the same.
So, be assertive when required and raise firm objections to any opposition or nasty behaviour. For instance, if someone is badmouthing you, confront him with a level headed discussion, and you may just get him to make amends.
Hobnob – Things will not happen on their own, you need to do your work in a way that creates a positive impression on everyone else. You also have to hobnob to get the best opportunities – projects, assignments, bonuses or training. Cautiously watch your back by keeping your eyes and ears open for what people are saying about you. Log on to the grapevine to keep track of what is happening in the office. Or, get yourself a mentor who can help and advice you about riding out the tough ‘political’ spots.
Blow you own horn – In today’s times when most employees are expendable, you have two jobs – your regular job and your other job of chief promoter or chief salesperson of yourself. Cultivate a positive, simple and accurate image by being seen in the right way.
Publicise your accomplishments and let the right people know about the great job you are doing. Take pains to preserve a professional image, ethical reputation and credibility.
Last but not the least, office politics is part and parcel of the corporate game.
So, take it in a light-hearted stride without giving in to stress or emotional outbursts.
On balance, it’s all about power, politics and influence. It can even be said that people are hired for what they know and fired for who they are.
Julie Jansen, author of I Don’t Know What I Want, but I Know It’s Not This gives the best advice with, “Be an actor, play the game, follow culture and this is just as big a part of your job as anything else!”
PAYAL CHANANIA
No comments:
Post a Comment