Ruth
The following are some ideas for your consideration.
1. Don’t pass it: If nobody listens to the junk that people spread around at work, the excitement will be lost. If someone persists in doing it, have the courage to ask why in a gentle manner: Why do you say that? Are you passing information for the good of the organization? Your probes may help the person realize his/her mistake. And always refrain from spreading gossip. The more people fail to pass stuff on, the quicker it dies.
2. Avoid seeking validation: Don’t recruit allies to agree with you. It feels good when people validate our stance on matters. The downside to seeking validation at work is that people will say they agree with you when they don’t. They do it to avoid conflict with you. If you know you are right, be brave to stand your ground, alone. People will respect your approach.
3. Ask for facts: Get the facts and settle it at the same time. Office political battles might be avoided if people dared to ask what was said and what was meant by it.
4. Forgive: Don’t get even. Forgiveness is difficult. Remember what Jesus said on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” God has forgiven our sins because of Jesus. Try to follow Jesus and learn to forgive.
5. Every person counts: Value everyone. Earl Nightingale once said, “Treat everyone as though they are the most important person in the world, because to them they are.” Treat every person with respect for no other reason than they deserve to be treated with respect.
This concluded my blogs on the subject of office politics.
