In the past few weeks, political campaigns were running on overload, you may have received a phone call from an automated voice advising you to vote for a specific candidate, the commercials seemed to be out of control, and the media was having a field day with the many interviews and debates between candidates. Now that the excitement has somewhat dwindled, there is a pressing issue that candidates won’t talk about because it is beyond their scope – Office Politics.
You know the game…the players are the backstabbers, brown nosers, bullies, the cliques, office gossips, extreme go getters (do whatever it takes to get ahead), and the list goes on and on. Getting involved in office politics causes physical and emotional stress, disgruntled co-workers, low productivity, and deteriorates your professionalism.
This is an election that is ongoing and no one person is right for the job! Even if you say you don’t want to participate, sometimes you have NO choice. So how do you stay out of the office political arena?
1. MYOB – Mind your own business
Simply put, don’t get involved! Minding your own business means, staying away from the office gossip and not helping the spread of rumors. Do your job during the time you are there and go home and don’t think about work!
2. Don’t entertain those that are running a campaign.
Think of all the flyers, commercials, and mailings leading up to the election. Now think of how the ‘office politicians’ try to ‘rope you in’ or get you to concede to their views. They bend your ear with the gossip or their personal opinions that are usually negative – refrain from commenting or what I call ‘chiming in’ on their rants. In other words, don’t cast your vote.
3. Know who you are dealing with and act accordingly.
You have heard of the old saying, “keep your friends close and your enemies closer?” Do just that. If the office gossip is always making conversation with you, don’t give them any information (remember tip #2) personal or professional. I guarantee they will relay that information to someone else and before you know it, you are the topic of today’s episode, As the Office Turns! Be careful, be cordial, and most importantly be aware!
Don’t let office politics and the office politicians pull you into the voting booths, become a member of your own party and abstain. This is one election where it’s ok NOT to vote!
1 comment:
One maxim to work by in the office is to listen and hear all the gossip, but never spread it. It's important to know what the politics are, but you can avoid some hot water situations by listening ONLY. Stick to safer issues, like why you need new office furniture, or who's coming to lunch today. A friendly person is always preferred to a gossipy one.
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