How to Handle Workplace Politics

Intimidation can be one side effect of office politics.

Politics in the workplace can be disruptive and create a hostile work environment. Politics occur when groups or cliques form in the office and create competing factions. They also emerge when some individuals have more power in the office than others. You can learn to handle politics in the workplace with a little practical planning and know-how. Office politics need not be disruptive if you simply take the proper steps to avoid them.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Observe the politics taking place in your office with a watchful but detached eye. Keep a tab on everyone who is participating in politics so that you know who you may be dealing with if you somehow get sucked into the office political vortex. You need to know who your potential opponents and allies are. You don't need to be the office gossip, but being in the know about what is taking place is essential.
- 2
  
  Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. If you have been observant along the way, you will know who you will need to be wary of. You have to be careful not to get yourself in trouble as the office backstabber in your conversations with others. If you can avoid saying too much to too many people regarding any secret alliances or activities, you will avoid getting yourself embroiled in any major controversies.
- 3
  
  Avoid taking sides as much as possible. When conflicts arise within the office, keep your mouth shut, ears open and head down. If you accidentally align yourself with one side of an office dispute or alliance system, you could find yourself on the losing end of a battle that might endanger your employment.
- 4
  
  Communicate with all key personnel in your office or job site in a way that reflects your professionalism. Keeping your professional demeanor and reputation intact will benefit you in the long run by preventing others from having the opportunity to speak badly of you or pointing out ways in which you have treated other office members badly.
- 5
  
  Assess each situation that arises within the office and carefully determine the best course of action whenever possible. Create a list of pros and cons if faced with an important or difficult decision. By writing down your list and mapping out a course of action, you can help yourself focus and navigate the murky political waters of the office.

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How to Handle Workplace Politics

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