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What are some tips for surviving office politics?

13 Answers
Last Updated: 11/19/2018 at 6:36pm
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
December 23rd, 2014 5:20am
STAY. OUT. OF. THE. DRAMA. Seriously! When one little gossip comes to complain about someone else, just shrug your shoulders and act like you don't care. The minute you start playing that game, you'll get sucked in and then there is no going back. It's much better to be a loner/outsider or be seen as aloof than to get caught up in the BS and pettiness that drives office politics.
Anonymous
December 23rd, 2014 5:30pm
Sometimes it is best to point out that everyone has their own opinion and that their opinion should not effect getting the job done.
Profile: Uniqueg
Uniqueg
December 23rd, 2014 6:30pm
Be careful what you say and how you say it and who you say it to, and your actions should reflect your values and what kind of person you want to be
Profile: Godsbaby
Godsbaby
July 9th, 2018 3:24am
Show your disinterest for it, try to remove yourself from situation that may lead to it and earphones are a great way to deter unwanted conversation
Profile: frostyWaterfall32
frostyWaterfall32
December 23rd, 2014 1:03pm
Try not to say anything about someone if you wouldn't say it if they were in the room. Gossip almost always gets back to people. It's best to keep out it entirely if you can - and even more so if you are new to the company.
Profile: Eli911
Eli911
December 23rd, 2014 6:45pm
Try to state early on that you are a neutral party. When a person starts gossiping leave the area, if you cannot leave then either remind them they are at work or put on headphones to remove yourself from the conversation. If people see that you are interested in gossip or politics then they will involve you into it.
Anonymous
December 28th, 2014 10:03pm
the best tips for surviving office politics is not to get involved in them. Do your job and go home.
Profile: PanDemiCa
PanDemiCa
January 4th, 2015 6:34am
Try to keep a neutral stance and a positive attitude. No need to get into drama that isn't required.
Profile: sorgenfresserchen
sorgenfresserchen
August 17th, 2015 8:34pm
Humor, A LOOOT of it. And also a healthy environment, people you can talk to about how you feel, having the opportunity to express your emotions and looking for a way that helps you cope with stress, like sports or music. Also learning how to communicate most effectively can be helpful.
Profile: PoliteOcean
PoliteOcean
August 25th, 2015 8:08pm
If possible, don't get involved!. I tend to stay away from any type of politics. Chance are you will feel like you are never right anyway.
Profile: Greatlistener87
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Work Stress
November 16th, 2015 6:37am
Best tip is to try to stay out of it and if you are already stuck in it then try to put as minimal participation as you can.
Profile: friendlyGameDev
friendlyGameDev
August 8th, 2017 12:17am
Praise publicly and critique privately. Criticize work not people. Avoid pointing a finger and instead offer solutions. Assume the best intentions until proven otherwise. Try and allow your colleagues to save face - everyone has bad days.
Profile: MorganKlaif
MorganKlaif
November 19th, 2018 6:36pm
Office politics can be tricky and you should try to avoid certain actions. The most important action you should avoid is gossip. If you ever find yourself in a situation where a group of co workers are talking about another, do not get involved. A lot of the time it will come back around and you will end up in an awkward situation. The second most important action you should avoid is confrontation. If you feel uncomfortable in a certain situation, remove yourself from it. It is much safer to get yourself away than it is to get into a heated conversation which could lead into something worse. The most important action you should always do is communication. Communicating between co workers allows them to know what you are currently working on and what you are able to do for them if they need you for something. The second most important action you should always do is ongoing education. Being able to further your career and position is important and you want the ability, knowledge and experience to back it up.