How to Avoid Getting Sucker Punched by Office Politics

How to Avoid Getting Sucker Punched by Office Politics

It’s not uncommon to dream of a utopian workplace where the quality of our work is all that matters. Where ideas consistently win out over favoritism, manipulation, and mind games. But like it or not, office politics are part of human nature. And the truth is they can be consequential to your success. In dealing with them, the question becomes: what’s the optimal way to handle conflicts while continuing to advance your career. Here are three things you can do.

Respond, Don’t React

The worst thing you can do when someone pushes your buttons is to let your emotions get the best of you. Giving the other person a piece of your mind might make you feel better for the moment, but you’ll achieve little else. It’s best to step back, calmly assess the situation, and deal with the person from a more objective place. By exercising impulse control, you’ll lower the boil on differences, gain a clearer perspective, and garner more support for your position.

Don’t Let Your Work Suffer

There are those who let office politics get under their skin to the point of it affecting their work. The smartest way to deal with turmoil is to keep plugging away and not give anyone a reason to question your work ethic or job performance. Eventually the thorny situation will pass and you’ll look back on it as a growth experience.

Become Politically Savvy

Strengthening management and technical abilities are fundamental for career growth, but honing your interpersonal skills is equally important. It’s tempting at times to put your head in the sand and avoid the reality of office politics, but it’s not a wise or viable option. By being aware of the dynamics of your office environment, you’ll be able to identify how things work and understand who has influence. The goal should never be to engage in deceitful behavior, but rather to recognize people’s personalities, motivations, and learn what makes them tick. The more astute you are, the larger your network of allies will become, and the greater your chances of exceling in your job without ruffling feathers.

However adept you become at handling office politics, there are toxic environments that stifle growth and aren’t worth staying in. If you’re in one, consider connecting with a recruiter. Working with a recruiter can lead you to a more rewarding job, where you’re part of a team that appreciates your skill set and better suits your personality.Set yourself up for success in your job search by using IMPACT Payments Recruiting to find opportunities that align with your career goals. From career advancement to increased compensation, IMPACT can help you achieve your employment objectives by matching you with opportunities from our global network of clients. Start your job search today with IMPACT!

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