The one subject most people share in common is their dislike for office politics. Yet the reality is that politics exist on a daily basis. Regardless of whether you deem politics as fair or not, developing skills in this area will benefit you as your career progresses.
Politics happen in all types of companies from privately owned to large corporations, and anytime there is a group of people working together, politics will be at play. The problem with politics is that most have felt and observed the negative effects rather than benefiting from the positive aspects. The reason why politics can often resemble a flashing “danger sign” usually stems from a lack of understanding of the informal power structure at work.
Job performance is a crucial step in growing your career and no doubt you will be measured by your accomplishments however your skills in developing internal relationships are just as important. A good example of overlooking the need to understand power structures at work happens to people who expect to be promoted by doing a great job without developing relationships.
Politics affect your career in both positive and negative ways; by developing a broader perspective you began to see politics as people expressing different points of view with the hopes of influencing one another to accept their opinions. When people start listening instead of reacting, differences can be a healthy and creative way to communicate.
When politics turns dirty, it usually has to do with self-focused power that sets the stage for the win or lose cutthroat world of business in which very few enjoy. Even though the informal network of complaining about coworkers or bosses can be a version of negativity on the flipside it also can serve you in a positive way by increasing self awareness as you listen and reflect.
Barbara Moses, Ph.D., and author of The Good News About Careers, describes the negative side of politics as a way to “test your own feelings.” Dr. Moses believes that office politics can be a helpful learning experience whereby people vent and express their feelings; the exchange helps you define your feelings. For instance, in an office environment where politics did not exist, you might find coworkers who feel that “something is wrong with them” because they can’t get along with their boss. With observing the reactions of others they would realize the boss is actually insensitive and abusive.
What are your thoughts about office politics?
