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Office
politics can cast a dark
shadow in the workplace, but is often an inevitable phenomenon no
matter how big or small a company is. Most of us want to believe we
don't have to play the politics game to get ahead at work. But the
truth is, there are subjective aspects to every business decision, and
successful businesspeople learn that it helps to know how to play the
game. If you haven't yet mastered the art of office politics, it's not
too late. Here are nine rules to help you play the game in the office
while keeping your reputation intact.
1. Play nice.
We've all heard that nice guys finish last, but that's not the
case when it comes to the business world. It pays to not make enemies
in the workplace. If you have a positive disposition and are nice to
your coworkers, others will take notice. While it might be tempting to
tell the chatterbox across the partition to shut up, you never know who
that person is close to. Don't run the risk of angering someone who is
best buddies with a senior vice president!
2. Remember the "Golden Rule."
Remember when your mom told you to "do unto others?" Office
politics is really all about building relationships, so lend a hand if
you need to. Do a favor for someone when they need it. Stay late to
help finish a project or take the time to answer questions for someone.
Doing these things will build your reputation as a team player, and
will ensure that you will have the support you need down the road.
3. Pick a mentor.
It pays to have friends in high places, so find a mentor in your
company who has influence within the organization and ask that
individual to have lunch with you from time to time. Most people like
to have their egos stroked, and will feel good about the fact that you
look up to them. You can learn a lot from a mentor, and it never hurts
to make sure someone in the company "penthouse" knows your name.
However, pick your mentor carefully. Don't align yourself with someone
who has a negative reputation.
4. Make an appearance.
While you don't have to spend all of your free time at work
functions, it does pay to make an appearance at office social events.
Office gatherings give you the opportunity to get to know coworkers in
a more casual and relaxed setting. So even if you're extremely tired at
the end of the day, try to go to a happy hour or company dinner every
once in a while. Putting in some face time will pay off.
5. Be visible, but not too visible.
It's one thing to achieve success in the workplace, but it's
another thing when higher ups know about your successes. The more you
put yourself out there and make your talents known, the better your
chances are of being recognized or selected for promotions and other
rewards. Do what you can to make sure managers know who you are, what
you are doing, and when you have succeeded. This might mean speaking up
and asking good questions at a meeting or proactively sending out a
follow-up email after a brainstorming session. However, there is a fine
line between making yourself visible and becoming an overt attention
seeker. Pick your occasions for recognition wisely.
6. Avoid the rumor mill.
It can be tempting to join in a conversation about a piece of juicy
gossip, but resisting the urge will help you in the long run. The more
you indulge in office gossip, the more likely you are to end up being
the subject of the gossip someday. So bite your tongue when it comes to
water cooler chatter, no matter how intriguing the topic!
7. Learn how to communicate.
Many offices are a microcosm of society and include a wide
variety of personality types. One of the biggest challenges people have
in the workplace is communicating with those who are unlike themselves.
Do yourself a favor and learn about different personality types and how
to communicate with each of them.
8. Make your boss look good.
One of the best ways to get ahead is by doing whatever you can to make
your boss shine. When you help your manager succeed, chances are, his
or her success will trickle down to you.
9. Talk to people.
In today's business world, technology has made it possible to never
have to leave your desk. You can get your work done during the day by
utilizing your voice mail, email and interoffice mail. But face-to-face
interaction is still valuable. Give yourself a break from the email and
talk to people in your company in person. This personal interaction
will help you build valuable professional relationships.
Article By: Kate Lorenz
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