Politics doesn’t need to be a dirty word, but often in society and in the workplace, it tends to be thought of that way. However, at its core, politics isn’t positive or negative. So, why do we often view it as the 8-letter big bad word?
I believe that the impact of politics at the office really depends on those who wield it. Recognizing its neutrality allows us to approach corporate politics with a fresh perspective, focusing on collaboration, personal growth, and collective progress.
In any organization, there is a natural tendency to foster relationships and often those relationships (aka network) can lead to the natural skewing of preference or treatment. Professionally, that preferential treatment should be at a minimum, especially as a leader, and should lead to neutrality in the entire office. However, easier said than done. This is where it starts to get messy. Opinions, frustrations, rumors, etc. can easily happen and then dynamics shift. Especially in an organization with limited resources, recognition, and the need for management and influence.
So, how do you separate yourself from messy politics and negative competition that causes more harm than good? There are a few strategies you can implement to mitigate the bad and navigate through the political corporate climate.
- Cultivate Self-Awareness
Start by reflecting on your own behavior. Are you unintentionally contributing to the negative behavior? Are you part of the problem or the solution? If you take a step back from gossip, manipulation, clique-culture, do you see that things start changing? Instead of adding to the political uneasiness of the office, rewire your thinking and aim to build trust and always demonstrate integrity and professionalism. - Create Transparency
Open communication is key. Transparency builds credibility and reduces the opportunity for misunderstandings to fester. When you share your ideas, thought processes, and decisions and encourage others to do the same, people will start to build trust with their colleagues and create a better work environment.
- Strengthen Relationships
We are all busy when the clock stops. It’s easy to get to work, keep your head down and then go home. However, professional relationships are often important and productive. It helps grow a better team and produce a better product. While I am not asking for you to take extended lunch breaks with your new work BFF, I am suggesting that having a friendly conversation and team-building breaks can advance you more than you think in your work. - Champion Fairness and Inclusion
Even if you do not feel like politics are negatively impacting you in the workplace, be cognizant and empathetic so that others might feel that negative pressure. Listen to those around you and actively support a positive environment. Something that might not hurt your feelings, could hurt someone else.So, be an advocate for fair practices and inclusive policies. When those around you feel seen and heard, it can reverberate across departments. As the great Mahatma Gandhi said “be the change you wish to see in the world” …. or at least see in the office.
- Align Objectives
Ensure that individual and team goals are aligned with the organization’s mission and vision. This alignment reduces conflicts and fosters a unified approach to challenges. When you create an environment where open and respectful feedback is welcomed, negativity can turn into healthy debate and can spark new ideas, refine strategies, and lead to better decision-making. - It Starts at the Top
The culture of an organization starts at the top. If you are in a leadership position, be sure you are acting with integrity and setting a positive tone for the entire organization. Demonstrate accountability, prioritize the team’s success over personal gain, and recognize those around you for the work you are doing. Ultimately, walk the walk.
As you move forward, it is easy to feel disheartened by the weight of politics. It is all around us at work and in the world. But being conscious, sharing goals (and sometimes feelings) with your colleagues can strengthen your work environment.
So, instead of viewing politics as a barrier or negative word, start building resilience, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking to turn the political pressure into positivity! Embrace the neutrality of the word ‘politics’ and make it productive. The key lives in our collective commitment to better ourselves and support each other.
