Use Office Politics to Your Advantage

Like it or not, you're involved in office politics. Because whenever more than two people come together, politics become a part of the dynamics. Are you playing it smart?

When you boil it down, office politics are really about a struggle for power, according to the experts at Robert Half International, one of the world's largest staffing firms. Genetically, we're programmed to try and overcome any threat, whether real or perceived. Even so, there's no need to give in to your baser self or learn how to manipulate people. You do, however, need to learn to play the game in the most honest, self-protecting and helpful way possible.

Gossip, Gossip, Gossip
Few people would argue that gossip rules the roost in any office. Nearly everyone has joined in at one time or another. And, while seemingly harmless at the time, it may have left you feeling stained later on. But there's a fine line between gossip and keeping abreast of the office grapevine.

Gossip focuses on people and what they did or said. Grapevine talk is idea- and experience-centered and keeps you informed about what's going on, unwritten rules and business trends. Do you see the difference?

So what do you do when a conversation shifts from grapevine talk to gossip? As hard as it may be, walk away. You don't have to be rude, or give the impression that you're morally superior. Simply give the old, “I just remembered I need to e-mail Mr. X! Gotta go!” excuse.

The Teacher's Pet Syndrome
Favoritism ranks second on the office politics hit parade. Part of the problem stems from the fact that managers are human, and they will naturally lean toward people with whom they are compatible.

But get the facts first. Don't assume that you're being overlooked because of favoritism. The best strategy is a proactive approach. Go to your manager and request more responsibility, which might be what she wanted all along.

If this tactic doesn't work, then ask your manager for specific action items to help you get ahead. Focus on your desire to grow and improve, not your irritation. If you express resentment, you're likely to find yourself in a worse situation.

Is That a Knife in my Back?
And now for door number three: the back-stabbing, undermining or credit-stealing colleague. In these situations, we often hesitate to act because we second-guess ourselves. Are we overly sensitive? Are we imagining it? Do we have a persecution complex?

If a colleague truly undermines your efforts, you need to take action. First a big don't: Don't discuss the matter with another coworker, no matter how tempting it may be. Word is bound to get back to the underminer, who may go to a manager, or at least step up their efforts.

Instead, confront this person. Sure, it's difficult and uncomfortable, but the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and that line goes directly to the source of your problem. If nothing else, confronting this person will let him know that you're not going to take it lying down.

If you do approach the person and they deny all wrongdoing, or if you decide that confrontation is futile, you need to document all incidents involving this person. Be sure to note how the situation negatively impacts your performance.

Once you have a good record, take the documentation to your manager and present it in a calm, non-emotional manner. Your goal here is not to get your colleague in trouble but to acquaint your manager with behavior that's hampering productivity. Any manager interested in office morale and productivity will address the problem.

21 Helpful Pointers
The Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario shares these 21 pointers on how to handle office politics:

1. Keep it professional at all times.
2. Play the game being played, not the one you want or think should be played.
3. Don't make enemies. Don't burn bridges.
4. Don't whine and complain.
5. Don't intimidate superiors. Try to avoid going over your superior's head.
6. Don't make others look bad.
7. Don't criticize employees or bosses.
8. Couch criticism in terms of employer's interests, not personal.
9. Help others get what they want.
10. Establish affiliations of mutual advantage with important people.
11. Find common ground with others.
12. Don't discuss personal problems.
13. Selectively self-disclose.
14. Don't assume anything will stay secret.
15. Create win/win solutions.
16. Keep your employer's perspective in mind.
17. Cultivate a positive, simple, accurate image.
18. Force yourself to do difficult, uncomfortable or scary things.
19. Be pleasant. Laugh and smile.
20. Be assertive and tough when required, not aggressive.
21. Don't oversell. Be natural. Develop your own style.

A final thought: The best way to handle office politics is to keep it professional at all times. Remember the immortal words of Michael Corleone in The Godfather: “It's not personal—it's business.”

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