How to “Deal” with Politics at Work

You might not follow the banter in Washington, D.C., but if you work in any kind of organization with more than a handful of employees, you deal with your fair share of politics.

What are politics at work?

• Jockeying for position
• Not showing all your cards until the other person reveals theirs
• Twisting the truth
• Seeking the spotlight
• Exposing others’ weaknesses for your benefit
• Striving to get ahead at all costs
• Manipulation

What are the results of politics?

• Silos and alliances
• Us vs. Them mentality
• Guarded communication
• Paranoia and suspicion
• Low trust and low morale

When do political people see you as a threat?

• When you are making them work harder
• When you are exposing things they don’t want to show
• When they are bothered because you don’t want to “play the game”
• When they view your talent/expertise as a threat to their own professional aspirations

You can’t completely avoid politics when it’s part of the corporate culture. However, you don’t have to be a political person. Over time, you can initiate change when people begin to see that there is a better, healthier way to achieve success – both personally and as an organization.

Tips for “dealing” with politics:

• Be yourself.
• Don’t twist anything. The truth is always best.
• Know your boundaries and values. Don’t cross those lines.
• Pace yourself. Do what’s right at a cadence that others won’t find intimidating.
• Influence, don’t force. Influence takes time.
• Don’t rush to make a difference. Be ready as God makes things safe for you to act.
• Be relational. Let people see your authentic desire to serve the company, not self-prosper.