GREENSBORO, N.C. — Office politics. Many times, we cringe when we think about problems at work. You might like your job, but not the drama.
Here are a few examples of office politics: spying on co-workers to see what they’re doing, gossiping, blaming, backstabbing, stealing credit for others’ work or ideas, showing favoritism, and withholding information that gives an unfair advantage.
You can get caught up in office politics to climb the corporate ladder or get ahead at work. If you worry about not being included, you might join the involved in office politics. Also, if you lack confidence in your abilities or position, you might be tempted to use office politics to compensate. And intense competition might sway someone to get involved in office politics.
If you find yourself involved in office politics, there are a few things that you can do. You can stay neutral and not pick a side. Let people know your boundaries of what you will and won’t get involved in. This is an excellent time to reflect on your behavior, motivations, and actions. Take responsibility for any negative behavior, figure out why you did it, and change it. Ensure you communicate openly and honestly and clear up any miscommunications—address conflicts on the sooner side so they don’t fester and get worse.
Share your thoughts on my Facebook page: Blanca Cobb – Body Language Expert. Write a message on my timeline, and I’ll get
back to you. While you’re on my page, I’d appreciate it if you give my page a “like.”