How to beat office politics

Love it or hate it, but you can't ignore office politics! Climbing up the social ladder is akin to the corporate one, where one has to watch out for one's back! No wonder then, backbiting, back stabbing, back scratching and 'back' many other unmentionable things is the order of a 'work' day.

Dr. Simmi Waraich, Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital Mohali, says, "The stress from office politics can sometimes get displaced onto the home front or may lead to psychosomatic symptoms where a person develops physical problems such as non-specific aches and pains which are due to psychological factors. One must also watch out for panic attacks and depression as other fallout's of watching socially more adept colleagues getting ahead via sweet talking the boss or sheer sycophancy." Spiteful colleagues, the notional, 'Hari Sadu' prototype bosses, incompetent subordinates and a stressful deadline's Damocles' sword, all make the office atmosphere vicious.

So if your endeavor is to keep your head above the sinister office waters and stay afloat in this cut-throat politics then try these tips: 

Be busy, not a busybody

Do not give unsolicited advice, as that may be considered as interference. It might also make you a target of unnecessary and unwarranted attention. Ajaya Sharma, ADM, Max New York Life, Noida, says, "Office politics is a dirty game and it is true that some people do benefit out of playing such tricks but their gain is temporary and the harms permanent. So one must cut through the murky game of office politics and stay focused on why one was hired to do a particular job."

Employer’s role

Shalini Dutta Country Head, Human Resources at VHIRE4U, Bangalore, says, "Office politics would hurt an employee the most when he does not get the credit for the good work done by him or even worse when someone else thrives due to his hard work. Evolved process flows & reporting mechanisms with well-defined Key Result Areas as well performance evaluation parameters greatly dissipates this issue. A Skip level Review meeting also reduces the scope of these issues affecting employees to a great level."

So make sure you are aware of the HR policies of the company before signing on that contract!

Be a professional

Maintain a professional attitude when you are at work. Let people see your sincerity towards work and be an example worthy to be followed. Amandeep Randhawa, Director at the Innergise Learning, Private limited, New Delhi says, "In case difference and misunderstandings arise, keep the channels of communication clear. Try to be factual about sorting out your differences." She adds, "Don't mix personal values with professional ethos."

Do unto others…

Manasi Luthra, City Head, First impressions Image Consulting, Pune, says "How you get treated is how you treat everyone, you may be great with the boss but it is equally important to be respectful with your subordinates and colleagues. This reflects your integrity and honesty which in any case should not be subjective." One more way of avoiding office politics scaring you is by being respectful towards your colleagues and subordinates. Help them in the hour of need, develop goodwill and be polite with everyone. Who says you can't be firm without being impolite?

Pep talk

Get active for a fresh look at the dirty picture in the office. It also helps if you have a positive attitude towards life! Simmi Waraich says, "If you are upset over an issue in the office. Talk yourself down by reminding yourself it is not worth letting anything get under your skin. A few times in a day, take four-five deep breaths feeling each inhalation pulling in calming fresh air and each exhalation deepening the relaxation in your muscles. Stand up and stretch or take a break, go out for a five-minute round after consciously telling yourself to switch off for five minutes."

Be neutral

Whatever be your personal or professional opinions you don't have to express them aggressively. Try not to take sides too often. Put your point across but in a neutral manner. Be balanced in your outlook and approach.

Speak easy

Talk about the problems with a family member or friend. It brings a fresh perspective to the issue. Do make a plan with a friend on how to deal with the problem and try it out in office the next day. If it works it's good. If it doesn't then too there is no reason to lose sleep over it. Simmi Waraich adds, "Change fixed beliefs as life does not always go as per a plan. People can be unfair or curt at times which is ok. Learn to take such things in your stride. At the same time people can also be very helpful and good. Perhaps you need to build up your communication skills and tell the other person what is bothering you."

One thing is clear that you can't hide behind your work desks from work machinations! What one must do is equip oneself better to be able to handle it and not back out or back down! 

Source- The Tribune, Chandigarh

Written By- Swati Rai

Regards

Rajan Bansal