4 Effective Ways to Sidestep Office Politics

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.

Avoid Gossip

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.

Author Bio: Shayla Ebsen is a full-time freelance writer and graphic designer with more than seven years combined experience from her time in the corporate world and through her freelance work. Shayla’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in News/Editorial Journalism from South Dakota State University and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Organizational Communication from the University of South Dakota. Learn more about Shayla and her services at shaylaebsen.com.

Comments

[Marcia Fajardo-Skinner]

It never fails to raise its ugly head. It is a struggle every day coping with office politics. Gossiping that goes on in a small work space is so annoying. It is not only distracting but infectious to a team environment. At times I feel like telling a gossiping colleague to “shut up” but I know this is not ethical. I try my best to stay focus in the midst of workplace controversy although I sometimes want to pull my hair out. I get criticized all the time for being too passive and introverted but in reality staying clear of the drama makes my life less complicated. Remaining positive is important to keep my sanity and balance.

Your “4 effective ways to sidestep office politics” are very helpful to me in acquiring workplace success. Thanks Mr. Rosen for your positive insights and helpful tips.

Marcia Skinner
Inglewood, California