Going to work can feel like stepping onto the set of a soap opera or television mini-series – intrigue, gossip and rivalries abound. It can be hard to steer clear of the drama and get some actual work done. There are steps you can take to navigate through it all, and make your time spent at the office more pleasant and productive:
Don’t pass it on
Every office tends to have someone who feels it’s their duty to pass on the latest rumor, usually with the goal of aligning you to their point of view. The easiest way to avoid being dragged in to the political arena, is to refuse to participate. Listen to what they have to say, if the topic is work related, but don’t offer input or add speculation. A simple “that’s interesting,” is enough of a response. Then without adding your own opinion to the mix, steer the conversation in a more positive, neutral direction. Yes, this means a bit of awkwardness at the beginning, but it is well worth the effort to develop this tactic. While it’s good to know what’s happening at work, it’s never good to repeat what you’ve heard, especially when speculation and imagination are involved.
Keep it neutral
If you find yourself in the middle of a power struggle, with both parties trying to influence you to take their side – stay neutral. You can’t predict the outcome of such battles, so tell both antagonists you want to keep out of it, and suggest alternatives to behind-the-scenes attacks. A meeting to clear the air, with all parties present, is an opportunity to build transparency. Help them focus on business objectives, and less on personalities, by always guiding conversations back to the task.
Leave your ego at home
Have you ever noticed that most office gossip tends to focus on people, rather than ideas, projects or the work at hand? Our egos tell us to react when something doesn’t go the way we personally think it should. Try keeping an open mind to alternate approaches to solving an issue, rather than pushing your point of view as the one and only solution. Your ideas, combined with another’s, can likely present the ideal resolution and build trust at the same time.
Show some respect
People are naturally protective beings. In an office environment, this trait can translate into being territorial about competencies and expertise. The feeling that someone else is edging into this protected territory can result in backlash, and a wall going up around information and skills. Be conscious of this when making suggestions or comments on topics that overflow into someone else’s area of responsibility or proficiency. Feeling of insecurity can arise when you poke around in their department. Gain a territorial colleague’s trust by respecting their expertise and knowledge, and ask for their help, versus blurting out your opinion on how things could be done better. You’ll avoid being seen as a direct rival or in competition for their job.
When it comes to office politics, the words, “less is more” has never been more applicable. The less you participate, the more respect you will gain. The less you pass on gossip, the more trust you will build with colleagues. The less attention you give it, the more serene and calm you will feel.