Winning the office Politics game. 1

For most of us that work in the corporate world, we would agree that office politics is a phenomenon that has come to stay. 

Ranging from backstabbing bosses to co-workers who try to sabotage your work, relationships and power are tightly knit in the workplace.

Many of us have been affected by office politics at some point in time and some of us are/will be victims of Office politics hence this timely post. Many workers panic at the thought of going into work because of their colleagues, while at least three in four employees find their boss the most stressful part of their job.

Now, office politics is but not limited to the strategies that people play to gain advantage, favor or for a cause they support.

How to deal with office politics and still be at the top of your game.

Be friendly with everyone.

Being friendly is not the same as being friends, getting involved and reaching out is a way to avoid being the victim of office politics. Toxic people have a way of being isolated or negative so you can spot them from a distance but for your own sanity and for your working health. 

You definitely cannot please everyone but you can buy the loyalty of a few people, relate with everyone at their level. If one person at work is the main source of conflict, the best way to deal with them is to unite with other co-workers, says psychologist Dr Mary Lamia. “Grouping against a bully will provide victims with support for their feelings, since victims of bullies are at risk of becoming isolated. Through joining together and discussing the bully’s behaviour, co-workers can contain the bully, who, with their behaviour exposed, loses the power to terrorise – and faces the threat of isolation.”

Know your limit.

Being friends with everyone doesn't mean you shouldn't know your limit. Also, don't tell everyone about your private affairs, the guy you shagged last night or the hangover. Please that's your business. Remember in politics there is no permanent friend and permanent enemy. The reason why you are being friendly with everyone is so you know the grapevines and whoever is planning evil against you and you can immediately plan your attack.

Hold your head up.

The best way to render your enemies harmless is when your guards are up and your chin is held up, even when you are dealing with a heart break or any issue. Carry yourself in such a way that people cannot deduce what's wrong with you. Once you are invincible, you would also be impenetrable.

P. S: In the office, everyone is there for their own gain so don't think someone would have your back even if he/she is your friend. If their own lives is at stake they will sly you with immediate effect so you have to deal wisely with everyone you work with. Maintaining the appropriate work ethics is the best way to avoid being victim of office politics.