Many workers mistakenly think they can treat an adult workplace as an extension of high school. They have experienced an implicit deal in high school whereby, if they work steadily and don’t misbehave, they will almost certainly graduate. The office, however, has more complicated dynamics and dimensions. You can navigate but you cannot escape.
The grapevine
The complex social structure of the workplace, like everywhere else, is bound up with relationships and influence. The dynamics of power, authority and patronage dictate how employees relate and with whom they interact. These unofficial forces need not be sinister. They simply constitute a wide spectrum of informal drivers that are constantly operating behind the curtain, adjusting priorities and making teams or individuals more effective.
The reason every workplace is political is because all workers, from the most junior to the top brass, bring their emotions, ambitions and insecurities to it. At the same time, they are all competing for scarce and limited resources in a zero-sum game, from a promotion to a larger budget or a better office. As each player instinctively tries to advance their personal agenda, it may be at others’ expense. At best, they may forge alliances; at worst, they may fall prey to backstabbing.
The office cast of characters
Out-and-out Machiavellian schemers may be a rare breed, but a host of other types of office politicians lurk. And they are easy to recognize.
First, beware the gossip hound. They love to titillate with some spicy information about their colleagues, since they are an expert on the personal lives of the team. You know you shouldn’t listen … but the cat is soon out of the bag. Never pass on rumors!
Nobody likes bullies. They are a grown-up version of a nasty child in the park who threatens and humiliates. The actions can be subtle or blatant, designed to manipulate or cause embarrassment.
Some people seem to be endlessly weaseling their way up the ranks, fawning over managers, determined to bond with authority. It often succeeds too. Flattery is hard to resist.
What can be more infuriating than the duplicitous team member who poaches the credit for your own hard work or innovative ideas? Saboteurs may try to obstruct others’ projects to make their own shine brighter. What starts as image building may end up as mudslinging. Speak up boldly and publicly but consider carefully whether it is worth your time and effort to challenge them.
Lobbyists tend to have a more specific agenda. They are bent on using their influence to persuade and corral opinions, directing efforts to managers or those in a position of control. Other lobbyists become crusaders, campaigning to sway opinions on any issue.
Every political event in the workplace may prompt a decent behavior or a toxic one. For example, if you mess up, the proper response is to own the blame; the low road is to pass the buck or scapegoat someone else. In another case, you might need to exchange some bargain, tit for tat. The correct approach is to offer sensible reasons and stick to them; the ugly alternative is to blackmail or purposely undermine.
An expert politician
Since office politics are everywhere, harness them for positive impact. They are only skills that take practice, not innate character traits. Try a few of the following exercises to pave your way:
- Build strategic relationships and connections with potential allies. Use social media to help widen your network. Loyalties and friendship pull a few strings.
- Stay professional and set boundaries.
- Develop soft skills such as good listening.
- Analyze your organizational chart, mapping out political power and influence. Study informal networks, in groups, out groups and cliques.
- Keep friends close and enemies closer, so you can spot any risks to your own position.
- Pick your battles.
- Maintain authenticity.
- Play the long game.
Give it some thought, and you can leverage office relationships for a smooth, and profitable, workplace.
