My first full-time administrative job was in a real estate office. I was fresh out of college, from a small town, and had never even heard the term “office politics.” I didn’t understand the hierarchy of top salespeople (first come, first served made the most sense to me), was oblivious to backstabbing and hidden agendas, and was naïve about how this impacted me.
I learned the hard way.
Avoiding office gossip is the most common advice regarding office politics. It is way easier to say than to do, as it is virtually impossible to avoid it. Our society is geared towards gossip. A colleague walks into the office and asks, “What’s going on in the office today?” It is how we communicate with one another.
Our television shows are filled with gossipy shows so we can stay up to date on what is new in the lives of our beloved celebrities. The Super Bowl was practically overshadowed by all the talk between Taylor and Travis!
News programs share updates on politicians, overseas wars, rumors of legal actions, impending layoffs, and more. Not all of it is factually based. Documentaries on murders and conspiracy theories entertain us. Also, not all factually based.
Naturally, I quickly got caught up in the gossip train at work. I was flattered when a salesperson would come up and share with me what a colleague had done in the past. I thought they were taking me under their wing and “showing me the ropes,” I also made the mistake of thinking I was doing the same with others when I shared the same stories.
However, you can ensure you don’t give the gossip mill fodder. Leave your personal life at home. Don’t talk about other people if you wouldn’t talk about them if they were in the room. If it isn’t black-and-white factual, leave it alone. Set boundaries that work for you personally and professionally.
Ignoring office politics will also backfire. We need to recognize the dynamics that office politics brings. By understanding what is happening, you may identify how decisions are made and key influencers. Being naïve can hurt your career, but being aware can help your career.
We are watching the television series Succession. Without revealing too much, one of the characters in the show strategically aligns himself with the person he thinks will get him to the top of the company. We are still working on the series, so we are unsure if his strategy works, but he is choosing the person he feels will be the most influential in his career.
Many of us have done the same thing, albeit more authentically than this character is doing it. We have a great working relationship with an executive, and it is clear to all involved that your executive is on the fast track to the CSuite. By aligning yourself with your executive, you can also grow your career. You advance as they advance. Many would not say that is a wrong strategy, but it recognizes office politics in the workplace. Being naïve to office politics may leave you behind as your executive advances.
Relationships are always the key to success; building solid relationships at work is essential. These relationships make collaborating, communicating, and positively influencing others easier.
It is okay to network within your organization, join associations and groups, and network there, too. Build connections that will open doors to new opportunities.
I play golf weekly with a group of friends, and once, while we were chatting, a friend mentioned she was hiring, and it just so happened that the key individual she needed fit my son’s qualifications. That’s networking. Did he get the job because his mother knew someone? No. He was fully qualified for the job but found out about it because of connections.
You do need to navigate power dynamics strategically. Pay attention to interactions in the workplace. Note how these influence key stakeholders and impact decisions. Look at informal power structures and understand how they impact the flow of information and decision-making.
Hazel was the front desk receptionist at the national office of my real estate company. It was back in the day of the switchboard, so she knew every call that came into the company. As she was at the front door, she knew everyone’s comings and goings. She knew who had visitors and who they were.
While Hazel didn’t have the highest-paying job in the organization, she certainly had one of the most powerful jobs. It was important always to be polite and respectful to Hazel, or she could make your day a living nightmare or ruin your credibility.
We must be mindful of people like Hazel and careful of how we speak to and about them. Professionalism is required at all times. We need to be ethical, even when others are not. Strive for transparency, honesty, and fairness. Be mindful and create a positive workplace. Respect confidentiality so you can create an environment of trust and respect. Value the perspectives of your colleagues even when you disagree.
Navigating office politics isn’t easy, but by taking the time to understand what you need to do and avoid doing, you can set your career up for success—and you’ll sleep better at night!
