Office politics is unavoidable: Here's why

Glenford Smith, Career Writer

Say the word 'politics' in the presence of some people and you may wish you hadn't. For them, it's a dirty word that is likely to elicit a terse, negative response.

Now, combine 'office' with 'politics' and this highly charged conceptual cocktail, office politics, could explode, leaving you stunned at the angry response of a friend or colleague.

The reason is that office politics, for many, is synonymous with nepotism, backstabbing, injustice, rumour mongering, hypocrisy, character assassination, to name just a few of the 'wrongs' done to many people by their peers, supervisors, managers or directors.

Office politics is a concept that often has negative connotations and which conjures up bad memories for a lot of people who consider themselves victims of this 'workplace scourge', some of whom have vowed never to engage in it.

A second group, similarly consisting of self-proclaimed 'victims' of office politics, have vowed, never again; they are determined to master the 'dirty world' of office politics and do whatever is necessary to survive and move ahead.

A third group, disdaining the workplace 'games' usually associated with office politics, have simply distanced themselves.

Although few realise it, there is a fourth option, a more balanced and mature approach to office politics. It begins by realising two simple facts about corporate life.

First, contrary to popular opinion, office politics is not just about doing whatever it takes, ethically or unethically to get ahead. It is a normal, legitimate aspect of everyday life at work. In essence, it is about how people interact, how they build and maintain relationships in order to advance their careers and get things done most effectively and efficiently.

Second, no one can avoid office politics. You may choose not to talk about it, or neglect to learn the skills necessary to 'win friends and influence people', to borrow the title of Dale Carnegie's famous book.

What you may fail to realise, however, is that office politics is what happens in every conversation and interaction you have at work.

Playing at a lower level

It is about who speak up at meetings and get heard, respected and promoted, versus who remain silent, unrecognised and ignored. If you're satisfied with your current position and salary, then it's fine to ignore office politics. Know however that you are playing the office politics game, just at a low-level.

To get ahead in your career, exceptional performance is a must, but is not enough. The right people must be aware of your performance and potential. They must also like and trust you, and believe you are committed to help them move the company ahead.

Let me reiterate: I'm not advocating ruining people's reputation, sucking up, lying, or sabotaging others to get ahead. These are simply unethical behaviours that will backfire. I'm referring to knowing people, forming great relationships and giving others the chance to know you, like you and be predisposed to help you.

Glenford Smith is a motivational speaker and success strategist.

glenfordsmith@yahoo.com