by Ruth
Last week we discussed “bad” office politics and how to deal with them. Let’s talk about a more pleasant subject. Many of us know colleagues who practice “good office politics”—people with empathy who are team players and willing to step in when needed.
Please don’t confuse good office politics with being a good jolly fellow. Frequently, it is necessary to uphold your Christian principles while offering assistance. You need a lot of self-awareness about your strengths and emotional intelligence to deal with others. The following are some points to consider.
(1) Know yourself: Strengthen self-awareness
* This is a life-long task. As time goes by, you’ll become more aware of how people perceive you.
* Start from home: Generally speaking, people do the same obnoxious things at home or at work. In the office, people may not directly point out your personality deficiencies. But if you have a good marriage, your significant other at home will let you know in no uncertain terms why you are annoying. Listen and try to change.
(2) Gain insight into the work style and habits of the people with whom you interact.
* Does your supervisor prefer written communication over verbal? Is your coworker usually less than alert early in the morning? Be observant and use what you learn about your colleagues to maximize relationships.
* Show genuine care for others.
* Improve your EQ: Strong emotional intelligence means you can get along with almost anyone. Most of us probably aren’t there yet. There’re ways to improve our EQ. Instead of complaining about being shut out of the political arena at your office, pray for your colleagues, especially for the ones who don’t like you. Understand what motivates them and help them out as much as possible.
(3) Be alert and ready to help others:
* Be approachable all the time—in your cube, in the hallway, even in the restroom.
* Always go above and beyond for your colleagues. Maybe it’s staying late with them to get something done or negotiating something for them on their behalves. It could be anything if you set your heart on wanting to help others.
(4) Manage your time well: In order to get extra time to do all the above, you need to do your own work efficiently to make time for others.
(5) Do your job well and avoid the rumor mill.
* No matter how small the job might be, throw yourself into your work with dedication and enthusiasm, like God is your boss.
* At some point in your career you’ll have to deal with somebody who gives you a hard time. The reason may be because they want to disguise their own inadequacies by lashing out at others. It’s tough not to feel discouraged at times. Admit the effects on your emotions. Pray and seek God’s guidance. Next week (in Part 4), we’ll discuss when is time to call it quits.
* Document your accomplishments and remind your boss from time to time
(6) Don’t rely on your job competence alone. Network as much as possible.
* Research shows that companies value social skills more than job skills. Here’s an example: People would rather work with someone who is likable and incompetent than someone who is competent but a jerk. And when someone is a jerk, people start thinking the person is less competent, whether it’s true or not.
* Volunteer for a committee or join a company-wide sports team to form bonds with colleagues outside your department.
* Find a mentor: Form an alliance with a more experienced colleague who can advise how to handle the more intense effects of office politics.
* Network before you need to network. What kind of people come to mind? Someone who never interacts with me in a meaningful way suddenly asks me to be her mentor. Of course I’ll say no.
(7) Blame yourself first
* Be quick to admit you are wrong when you make mistakes
* Don’t try to cover up your mistakes
* Don’t blame others for your mistakes
(8) Be “professional”
* Your appearance and demeanor reveal a great deal about you. Ability is important, but other factors count.
* Don’t try to change or resist company culture, including dress, communication styles, and office hours. Being different does not work.
* Remember that both positive and negative statements you make about others will often find their way to those people.
* Avoid conflict. If a co-worker loses his or her temper or becomes verbally abusive, keep your cool and don’t allow yourself to become hostile. Try to leave the scene professionally and diplomatically. Uncontrolled emotions and behavior will harm your image in the company, no matter how much the other person has provoked you.
* If you want to gain respect and be seen as a prime candidate for promotion, strive to look and act professionally in all circumstances.
(9) Last but not least: Be your true self
* Don’t put on a façade to “fit in.” can easily see through your charade.
* Take good care of yourself. Manage your stress levels so you can avoid emotional displays of inconsistent behavior.
* You must genuinely want to help people. Otherwise, your energy in this arena will feel false. Don’t use it as a way to manipulate others.
* Remember: Some people will never feel comfortable playing the office politics no matter how hard they try. It’s okay. Seek employment that offers a solitary work environment. Sales would be a definite no, but a career in programming may be suitable.
