How to deal with office politics?

Politics is defined as the process by which groups of people make decisions. The term is generally applied to behaviour within civil governments, but politics has been observed in all human group interactions, thus workplace or office is also included. Politics consists of "social relations involving authority or power" and refers to the methods and tactics used to formulate and apply policy.

Let us concentrate on workplace. On job performance must be the only consideration for career advancement. That is ideal. You are lucky if that happens. But it doesn't always. Office politics often play an important role, whether you like it or not, almost in every workplace.

Even though you are doing a wonderful job, the happenings in the organisation are influenced by the way you conduct yourself and how you play the game and how others play the game. You have to play it safe and smart.

• Gossip is something you should be careful about. Be away from gossip. In the unfortunate event of you becoming the subject of gossip, you have every right and necessity to defend yourself and protect your image.
  It will not be difficult to find out the source of gossip. Have a frank chat with the person. Don't be offensive and do not accuse. Carefully worded email is another wise option. If the results are not satisfactory, you can take the help of your boss but keep this as a last resort.

• Conduct yourself well to the satisfaction of your inner self. You need to play the game but don't play dirty and at the expense of others. Your desire for career advancement should not colour your judgment and behaviour.

• Do not mix personal relationship and work. Friendship and emotional attachments should not influence your judgment and decisions.

• Do not abuse your position of power.

• Do not take advantage of your position while dealing with confidential matters which are not meant to be public. You may feel tempted as it gives an edge over others. You may get quick gains but you will lose the trust of others and lead to negative results.

• Don't speak on an impulse. A word that comes out once, can not be taken back. Words have lot of power. A right word can help and a wrong one can harm.

• People do not gossip about good friends. So be friendly. Be available in need but not at the cost of your own work, as people can take advantage of your helpful nature.

• People like to work with friendly people. Express genuine interest in the lives of people.

• Give credit to others for their good ideas and work. It will give respect and admiration from colleagues.

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