Hello Seniors,

Please suggest on how I can handle office politics and survive in an environment full of mudslinging. I want to grow in my career. I have joined a new company and have been working here for the past 6 months. In all my previous companies, I never had this issue. It's only here that I am experiencing these politics. Although I try to avoid getting involved and want to keep my distance, I often end up becoming the victim in these games.

It demotivates me when I think of the way I am treated at times. Please suggest how I can fight back, grow, and handle these situations easily without taking things personally.

From India, Madurai
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Dear Nimaa,

One has to accept "office politics" as a part of work-life. It does not mean one has to participate in it, but that one must be aware of its existence and presence. It is not easy or quick enough to learn how to be insulated or protect oneself from it. It takes a lot of experience, maturity, empathy, righteousness, spiritual practice, etc., to overcome its effect or the temptation to fight back.

Initially, it would be desirable if you can see through their game, empathize with their mental status and feelings, and see how wretched they are to be a victim of their feelings of jealousy and inferiority complexes. Keep growing yourself, and you'll find these petty things are unable to hurt or affect you.

Warm regards.

From India, Delhi
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Dear Nimaa,

Every time you change jobs, you will encounter different types of colleagues and working cultures. One should know what to embrace. Everybody works to grow, but they have their own methodologies based on their caliber. Please keep yourself focused on your goals and if it becomes very difficult to manage, consider switching.

Regards,
Hemant Kadam

From India, Mumbai
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Nimaa,

I am in total agreement with Mr. Raj Kumar and Mr. Hemant.

My first boss taught me a very valuable lesson which I remember to this day regarding office politics: either be a part of the game (play it) or stay out of it. I faced similar issues like you, but that was in my first job. Over time, I have learned how to steer away from it as I do not approve of being a part of it. There are many ways to tackle this issue.

Listening to employees who gossip or criticize someone in front of you can send a message, albeit passively, that you are also involved. When such discussions arise, you could try changing the topic or politely excuse yourself. Ensure that these discussions do not provoke or influence your judgment. Stand for what is correct and demonstrate that you are capable of making your own decisions without being negatively influenced.

If discussions occur at or near your desk, put on your earphones and listen to informative podcasts, webinars, or music. Another important issue to consider is sharing personal information; keep it to a minimum as you never know how it may be used. For instance, a former colleague once shared private details with a coworker who later disclosed everything to others. This incident led to unwanted gossip that lingered for a long time.

Make it clear that you do not approve of such behavior. Stay focused on your work; these are minor issues and should not impact your performance. Be observant to notice what is happening around you and be prepared for difficult situations. Maintain a positive, professional, and neutral attitude.

Best wishes for your future!

From India, Vadodara
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Office politics can be vicious, and how power and influence are managed in your company will be a part of your career, whether you choose to participate in them or not.

Some people prefer not to get involved in politics at work, but most career experts argue that playing the game is crucial to your career success. By avoiding it, you may find your talents ignored and your success limited, and you may feel left out of the loop.

Here are some tips that can help you win people over at the office:

- Observe how things get done in your organization. Ask some key questions: What are the core values and how are they enacted? Are short- or long-term results more valued? How are decisions made? How much risk is tolerated? The answers to these questions should give you a good sense of the culture of your organization.

- Don't be afraid to toot your own horn. If no one knows of your good work, you may lose at the game of office politics when you really deserve to win. Let others know what you've accomplished whenever you get the opportunity. If you don't know the fine art of diplomatic bragging, you might get lost in the shuffle of your co-workers.

- Determine strategic initiatives in the company. Update your skills to be relevant to company initiatives. For example, don't lag behind in technology, quality, or customer service approaches that are crucial to you and your company's success.

- Don't align too strongly with one group. While an alliance may be powerful for the moment, new leadership will often oust existing coalitions and surround itself with a new team. Bridging across factions may be a more effective strategy for long-term success if you intend to stay in your current organization for some time.

- Learn to communicate persuasively. Develop an assertive style backed with solid facts and examples to focus others' attention on your ideas and proposals. Good politicians can adjust their messages for their audience and always appear well-prepared.

- Be true to yourself. After analyzing the political landscape in your company, if you decide the game is one you can't play, prepare to move on. It's not typical, but some companies actually condone—even promote—dishonest, ruthless, or unethical behavior. The game of office politics in this situation is not one worth winning.

For any further clarification, feel free to write or discuss.

Regards,

GAUTAM KAR - 09331148166

Find me at:

http://www.facebook.com/GAUTAMBKAR

https://twitter.com/GAUTAMKAR4U

From India, Kolkata
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Dear Gautam,

I appreciate the wonderful write-up posted by you.

However, please remember to add attribution to the source from which you COPY-PASTE. Not doing so amounts to plagiarism or, in simple words, stealing someone's work!!!

Moreover, by quoting the source, one tends to enhance or authenticate the views being put forth.

I found your above write-up being taken (copy-paste with minor edits to REMOVE the source) from the following:

Six Ways To Win At Office Politics - CBS News

Six Ways to Win at Office Politics - Vault: Blog

Also, here is the Google Archive link for the same article:

The Victoria Advocate - Google News Archive Search
<link updated to site home> (Search On Cite | Search On Google)

This seems to be a WIDELY SYNDICATED article and has been published extensively with attributions (or syndicated arrangement).

The IMPORTANT INFORMATION you have willfully omitted is:

"... says Louellen Essex, co-author of "Manager's Desktop Consultant: Just-in-Time Solutions to the Top People Problems That Keep You Up at Night."

Via online job site CareerBuilder.com, here are six tips from Essex that can help you win people over at the office: ..."

Once again, I would like to implore you to be careful and avoid such copyright violations and theft of someone's intellectual property rights.

One may receive praises and appreciation (as readers are led to believe that it is an original write-up), but it is immoral, unethical, and illegal.

An example of a similar situation for an HR might be: It is like selecting a candidate who puts up someone else's CV - qualifications and experience.

Warm regards.

From India, Delhi
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Hi Nimaa,

In addition to the suggestions you have received, please review my earlier post: https://www.citehr.com/437286-10-sim...ml#post1979726

From India, Delhi
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