How to Handle Dirty Politics at Work

Office politics can make the work environment unpleasant.

Office politics can be difficult to avoid in a closed workplace environment. Fueled by competition and ambition, some people will lower themselves to fighting underhandedly to climb the corporate ladder. When you encounter unpleasant work situations, handle dirty politics at work with careful responses and calculated maneuvering to ensure that you do not fall victim to an antagonistic co-worker or colleague.

Instructions

1. Stay tuned to office politics to prevent negative surprises. Resist the desire to ignore office politicking — even when you disagree with it — because you may become the victim of dirty politics due to your ignorance.

2. Find allies in your office. Make strong allegiances with colleagues and participate in a coordinated effort to watch each other’s backs. Listen for information that may be relevant for your allies and expect them to reciprocate for you.

3. Conduct yourself positively so your record and actions are beyond reproach. Avoid mistakes that potential antagonists may use against you.

4. Avoid making enemies. Strive to keep yourself on everyone’s good side and avoid adopting a threatening or intimidating persona in the workplace environment. Keep your eyes and ears open but fly under the radar.

5. Analyze motives carefully. If a colleague approaches you with a plan or idea, scrutinize and analyze the entire situation thoroughly before taking an action. Avoid unethical ideas and plans because the person hatching this idea may burn you in the end with more unethical tricks. Avoid people who flatter and office bullies.

6. Stay calm and avoid emotion and overreaction to office politics. Even in the face of unfair situations, a calm demeanor will always serve you better than overreacting with negativity or strong emotion.

7. Approach colleagues who demonstrate negative politics with an attitude of benign confusion or logic. Instead of attacking and putting your colleague on the defensive, try asking pertinent questions to engage in a constructive dialogue. You may be able to facilitate positive change by having a productive conversation.

References

• "100+ Tactics for Office Politics"; Casey Hawley; 2008
• Talent Planet; Office Politics; Greg Ketchum; Nov. 6, 2004
• CNN Money; Play Office Politics Without Getting Dirty; Anne Fisher; Nov. 30, 2007