How to Beat Office Politics

Know What You Want

Know What You Want

Office politics getting you down? You’re not alone. Getting caught up in workplace drama can be distracting at best. At worst, it can impact the future of your career.

However, it’s important to remember that if you are a top performer, you can (and should) rise above it. Here are some ways to keep out of trouble.

Know What You Want

A common theme in workplace success is knowing what you want. Before you get sucked up into office politics, be sure you’re clear on what it is you’re striving to accomplish. If you get caught in the whirlwind, that clarity will help keep you on course. Keeping your eye on the business objectives will always provide you a chance for victory.

Avoid Taking Sides

It may be hard to stay out of politicking when two power figures are going head to head, but it’s important that you do. Again, focus on the business objectives because ultimately, everyone wants the business to succeed and it’s hard to argue with someone striving for that independently. Ensure all communication with “both sides” is transparent so that you can avoid “he said/she said” games. When all else fails, keep your head down and focus on the tasks at hand.

Don’t Get Personal

You may find yourself getting frustrated by the office politics swirling around you. By nature of the beast, you will take sides, at least internally. You may grow angry with some people and want to defend others. Stay true to your office allies and never speak cruelly to someone you disagree with. Crossing the line of professionalism will brand you difficult to work with and will decrease your chances of recognition, regardless of whether you’re a top performer or not.

No one wants to work in an environment where people are trying to outwit their peers and mow down their perceived competition to make it to the top. But it happens. All you can do is try your best to stay on the outside and be a neutral performer with company success as your ultimate goal.

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Do you need help increasing job visibility or prioritizing your career goals? My executive coaching services can help you hone your communication skills and clearly define your goals and objectives.

What You’re Doing That May Be Preventing Your Career Advancement

DON’T wait to be asked

DON’T wait to be asked

Previously, we discussed the importance of a good work ethic and it’s impact on your potential career advancement. But what if you’ve tried everything and you’re still not being considered for that internal promotion you want so badly.

You know what you have to do, but maybe there are things you need to make sure you’re not doing. Take these DON’TS for example.

DON’T be envious

Are you constantly comparing yourself to others at work? It’s not a bad idea to know your competition and enact a competitive spirit, but if you find yourself wondering things like “what do I have that he doesn’t?” or “well I do that too, why do they pay attention to her and not me?” you could actually be setting yourself up for failure. Creating pressure to be someone you’re not simply will not help. You have your own skills and personality, your own strengths and weaknesses. Trying to match someone else’s won’t get you anywhere.

DON’T fall victim to stress

The more you feel you aren’t getting ahead, the more frustrated you may become. It could make you irritable or impatient and maybe even rude with customers, coworkers or employers. You could start to feel like you can’t do anything right or you’ll never be good enough. It’s important that you not take it personally, difficult as it may be. Everyone faces challenges when trying to reach their goals, don’t let the stress change your relationship with the job you already have.

DON’T wait to be asked

All of your hopes and dreams are riding on someone asking you to take an opportunity, but perhaps you need to prove yourself instead. If the job you want requires certain skills, acquire them and show them off. If the job you want requires certain ideas, come up with them and share a few. Surely you’re familiar with the quote “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” Take that idea and apply it to your work. Still be sure to get your job done but put in the extra effort so they can’t say no.

Feeling stuck in a job that no longer challenges or motivates you can be underwhelming and trigger a whole domino effect of bad emotions and behaviors. At some point you’ll have to make a decision, maybe this internal promotion isn’t for you after all. But you won’t know until you try so put your best effort forward and keep moving forward.

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Do you need help increasing job visibility or improving your relationship with your boss? My executive coaching services can help you hone your communication skills and clearly define your goals and objectives.