Office Politics: How to Get Along Better With Colleagues?
13 February 2013
Read by 2056 persons
Office politics often has a negative connotation. The term is associated with gossip and rumors, brown-nosing and backstabbing. But there is a difference between office politics and office gossip. Because politics comes into play the moment you work with colleagues. It's ultimately a matter of communication and interpersonal relationships. And if you do it right, office politics could even advance your career. Here are some tips to guide you in the world of office politics and to get along better with your colleagues.
Avoid getting bogged down in small conflicts
Do you have a difference of opinion with a colleague or your manager? Don't argue endlessly about who's right. The main thing is not to win the discussion but to move the company forward, which sometimes involves putting aside your preferences and ideas and making concessions. Show your colleagues that you are able to behave like an adult in the face of conflict and that you want what's best for the company.
Stay positive in all circumstances
Difficult clients, an unreasonable decision by your superior or colleagues who are undermining you can be a source of many frustrations. In these cases, it's normal to need to vent your anger. Complaining, however, won't solve anything, and brooding over negative thoughts won't get you anywhere. So try to look at the situation from a different angle and ask yourself how to make the best of it. Your superior will surely appreciate your positive and constructive attitude.
Don't take sides
If you find yourself in the middle of a conflict between two colleagues or managers, don't take sides but focus on the work that needs to be done. Adopt an open communication policy with both parties, so as to avoid discussions or misunderstandings later. Try to approach the situation as objectively as possible: it's the only way forward and both parties will appreciate your neutrality and open communication.
Control your emotions
Reacting emotionally to certain situations is human, but avoid getting too emotional at work. Lashing out at a colleague in the heat of the moment may relieve you at the time, but will only complicate your collaboration in the long run. If you want to climb the ladder, it goes without saying that you should have as few enemies as possible at work.
Make as many friends as possible
The more people who are in your favor in the company, the better things will go for you. Not only will your work be more enjoyable, but it will also boost your career. Many companies work according to a 360-degree feedback system, where everyone who works with you gives feedback on your work. So make as many friends and allies as possible in the office.
Stepstone.be
Posted on February 13, 2013.
Avoid getting bogged down in small conflicts
Do you have a difference of opinion with a colleague or your manager? Don't argue endlessly about who's right. The main thing is not to win the discussion but to move the company forward, which sometimes involves putting aside your preferences and ideas and making concessions. Show your colleagues that you are able to behave like an adult in the face of conflict and that you want what's best for the company.
Stay positive in all circumstances
Difficult clients, an unreasonable decision by your superior or colleagues who are undermining you can be a source of many frustrations. In these cases, it's normal to need to vent your anger. Complaining, however, won't solve anything, and brooding over negative thoughts won't get you anywhere. So try to look at the situation from a different angle and ask yourself how to make the best of it. Your superior will surely appreciate your positive and constructive attitude.
Don't take sides
If you find yourself in the middle of a conflict between two colleagues or managers, don't take sides but focus on the work that needs to be done. Adopt an open communication policy with both parties, so as to avoid discussions or misunderstandings later. Try to approach the situation as objectively as possible: it's the only way forward and both parties will appreciate your neutrality and open communication.
Control your emotions
Reacting emotionally to certain situations is human, but avoid getting too emotional at work. Lashing out at a colleague in the heat of the moment may relieve you at the time, but will only complicate your collaboration in the long run. If you want to climb the ladder, it goes without saying that you should have as few enemies as possible at work.
Make as many friends as possible
The more people who are in your favor in the company, the better things will go for you. Not only will your work be more enjoyable, but it will also boost your career. Many companies work according to a 360-degree feedback system, where everyone who works with you gives feedback on your work. So make as many friends and allies as possible in the office.
Stepstone.be
Posted on February 13, 2013.
