Office Politics Taking A Toll On Your Mental Health? Here Are 7 Ways To Tactfully Navigate It

No matter which industry you work in, dealing with demanding bosses, competitive colleagues and jealousy over promotions and appraisals are some things you cannot escape. While we understand that not everyone's motivations at work are malicious but a person's ambition and their insecurities can lead them to act that way. It is human nature to use the means they have at their disposal. So let's delve into these 7 strategies that you can use to successfully navigate people using informal influence and power plays at your workplace.

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1) Calm down before you respond to something upsetting

If someone is putting the blame on you or falsely accusing you of something rather than getting defensive, take a pause and re-evaluate the situation. It is crucial at this time for you to behave professionally. No matter how upset you are, take a deep breath, smile and try to explain the situation calmly without badmouthing your colleague.

2) Do not vent your feelings to a coworker

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While it is important to make friends at work, and once you do build a supportive group they may seem like the ideal people to tell your problems, they are far from it. You may gravitate towards telling them your problems as they work with you day in and day they are more familiar with your situation. But refrain from doing so, as giving anyone that much ammo can be detrimental to your professional growth.

3) Understand informal social networks and make friends

It is crucial to understand relationships in your office. Having information regarding who is friends with whom, who doesn't like whom and so on and so forth, can make a huge impact on your work life. This information can be very beneficial in getting to know your coworkers and then identifying with whom do you agree and gel with more. Identifying 'your kind of' people at your work will go a long way in building and maintaining work relationships.

4) Appreciate and praise others' accomplishments

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Praising the accomplishments of others is as important as getting your own recognised. Every human being likes getting compliments so it is extremely important to fulfill that need of others. Celebrating other's accomplishments shows that you are a team player and helps maintain a healthy work environment where people can excel and flourish. On the opposite side if you keep tooting your own horn you come off as snobbish and arrogant and nobody is happy working with such a person.

5) Take the high road and never badmouth anyone

If you realise someone is spreading false rumours about you to either your colleagues or your boss it is important for you to act with dignity. You should not stoop to their level and start talking bad about them in turn. This only establishes you as immature and childish, making everybody forget that you were actually the victim.

6) Build rapport with influential people in your office

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Identify the key players in your workplace, they can be people who decide promotions or appraisals or someone who wields a lot of influence on those who do have power. For instance, a new joinee may be related to your manager. In every office, there are workers who can indirectly make your career. Building a rapport with such people in the office may seem like a small thing but may make or break things for you.

7) Document your work and communications

One of the most effective ways to not fall victim to office politics is to document your work progress. Keeping record of your email conversations and even minutes of the meetings gives you a sure-fire way to defend yourself should you find the need to. It shields you from people taking advantage of you or taking credit for your work or ideas. An email trail is hard evidence that will protect you if someone targets you.

Understanding office dynamics and developing strategies can not only help deal with work stress but can also lead to increased growth opportunities. Use these effective and valuable tips to navigate workplace politics successfully.

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