How to deal with office politics?

ceridwen

Zazen999 wrote: »

Watch your back, don't assume anything, preempt the possible problems; keep an eye on what's going on, make some good friends; even pretend to BE 'one of them' if you could stomach it. And make sure you don't break any rules and keep good auditable records of what you've done and why you've done it.

I understand what Zazen is saying here - and certainly agree "not to assume anything", "preempt the possible problems" etc. Errr....I wouldnt pretend to BE "one of them" though if I were you - you would soon get caught out - probably the second they tell you about some "special event" for believers to go to and the first expression on your face is sheer dismay - rather than "I'll clear my diary for it specially:)".

ceridwen

bendix wrote: »

In my experience, it is only those who are deeply involved in office politics that complain of office politics.

Usually the ones who just focus on doing their work don't even know there are any politics.

Given your propensity to complain about your working conditions at every single opportunity, supplemented now by your badmouthing your employers here, I wonder which group you belong to?

I think that was uncalled for (if unsurprising - as the vast majority of posts by Bendix are criticising someone or other....). For all we know O.P. has only started mentioning his work since starting a job for this particular firm - in fact I think that is probably the case.

In my workplace - I think every single person is WELL aware of the "politics" going on from what I can see - whether they go in for "playing that game" or no.

If he works in a firm where its run by people as extremist as this - then I think he has good cause to complain personally.

Debt_Free_Chick

To be honest, I would just be getting on with my job and not looking for "friends" with those I work with. They are just that - colleagues. You only need to tolerate their views, provided they do not go as far as racism/sexism etc.

getmore4less

Look after No1 is the top of everyones list.

Even offices/people that appear to be "politic" free its just because some people are better at it.

One key to success is to identify what is important to the business and be seen to be doing those things by people especialy those above those that play the games.

Just doing your job(as told by the boss) and being oblivious to the business is a very negative attitude to employment.