For instance, let’s say you get called into your boss’s office and find out that your coworker blamed you for something they did. Don’t get upset and tell your boss about all of your coworker’s flaws. Instead, take a deep breath and count to 10. Then, calmly tell your boss that you aren’t working on that project but are happy to help. Say, “I didn’t realize that this project was behind because I’m not assigned to it. However, I’m happy to take it on. ”
For example, let’s say your coworker is constantly complaining that you withhold information about a project you’re working on together. After thinking about it, you might realize that you’re waiting several days between communications so that you can send a lot of information at once. The solution could be to send daily emails even if there’s no new information.
For instance, let’s say your coworker gets a promotion after taking credit for other people’s work. You might feel like you need to steal credit, but it’s best to be honest about your work.
Remember to always be professional with your work friends. Otherwise, your personal and professional lives might blend together, which can fuel office politics.
For example, you might talk to your partner, sister, or best friend. Say, “I’m having issues at work. Can we talk about it for a few minutes?”
Meditate for 10 minutes. Go for a nature walk. Play with your pet. Color in an adult coloring book. Do aromatherapy. Soak in a hot bath. Read a book.
For instance, let’s say your workplace has a rule that you’re not allowed to use the company printers for personal items. While you might notice your coworkers using the printer for their personal use all of the time, it’s best to avoid doing this yourself.
For example, your office might have alcohol at company parties. It’s okay to enjoy a drink, but don’t have so many drinks that you lose your inhibitions. Similarly, you might have an overnight work trip with a coworker. While it’s okay to be friendly with them, don’t gossip about your other coworkers or reveal too much about your personal life.
For example, a coworker might say, “I can’t believe Joe got that promotion. He’s late every day. ” Don’t say, “I know! I can’t believe it either. ” Instead, say something like, “Did you hear that we might be getting a new copier?” or “Do you know if there’s a fresh pot of coffee in the break room?”
Try to focus on the positive aspects of your workplace. For example, you might really like the receptionist and you might have access to good training classes. If you really hate your job, start looking for a new job. In the meantime, put your best foot forward at your current job so that you get a good recommendation from them.
You want your coworkers to feel like you’re helping them reach their goals, which will make them feel like you need them. This also helps you be an asset to your organization, so it will help your career, as well. For example, let’s say you’re the only one who’s trained to use a new piece of equipment. Instead of keeping this information to yourself so that your boss needs you, offer to train your coworkers who are interested in learning the machine. This shows you’re a team player and put the business first.
For example, let’s say your office is having a quarterly meeting the day after you finalized a big sale. At the meeting, you might say, “I’d like to take a minute to celebrate the accomplishments our department made this past month. Rashida brought in 3 new clients, Sean developed a great new filing system, and I closed my biggest sale of the year. ”
If you are going to be late for any reason, notify your coworkers as soon as possible and tell your supervisor so you’re in control of the situation. You might send an email with your boss copied saying, “Because my client meeting ran over, I was unable to complete the account analysis today. I know this is going to hold up your project, but I’ll have it to you by tomorrow morning. ”
Approach situations looking for a compromise rather than always trying to get your own way. Don’t just pursue your own success. Make it your goal to help all of your coworkers be successful, as well.
For instance, offer to help them with something around the office. Be careful what you say in front of them, since they can misuse your words against you. Steering clear of these instigators is also a good strategy for surviving office politics. If they don’t know you, they’re less likely to be able to hurt you.
For example, you may notice that your boss’s mentee has a lot of influence even though they’re new. Invite them to lunch and offer to help them.
Since people like talking about themselves, this will also make them like you more. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid your coworkers. Make the rounds and greet people, but let them do most of the talking. You might say, “Hey, how’s the project going?”
Try to establish a reputation as an honest, fair person who doesn’t attack others. If you have a real complaint about someone, try to work it out with them.
For example, you might type up meeting minutes and send it to your coworkers so that everyone has a copy. That way, if there’s a dispute later, you can pull out the minutes that everyone agreed to right after the meeting.
