Surviving Office Politics At Your New Job
Whether you are just starting your first job or your 10th job,
you will find that office politics is consistent in all
companies. Office politics is something that is inherent in any
company you may work for. It's part of the culture and you won't
be able to avoid it. So just how do you survive office politics
and still get to make your talents shine? Simple, you need to
market your talents everyday, just as you did during the
interview that got you the job.
You basically need to focus on fitting in with the scheme of
things around the office. Be friendly and outgoing and offer
support to your co-workers and management when possible. Refuse
to engage in the sleazier side of office politics and soon
management and your peers will take notice of you. You will win
their support and respect.
Don't be afraid to toot your own horn to management. Don't
assume that they should know what you do all day. They have
their own agenda and may take notice of some things that you do,
but many things may go unnoticed. Your positive attitude and
activities will rally support and leave a lasting impression to
everyone.
It's ok to offer to take on additional responsibilities, but
only do it if you have the time or someone else hasn't stepped
up to the plate. Don't bite off more than you can chew, it will
make matters worse and make you look incompetent. The trick is
to show that you are worth more and soon you will not only fit
in, but also come to be relied on for more important
assignments. You will be a player in the game of office
politics, no longer an outsider looking in. An increase in
responsibilities usually means a raise as well.
Playing the game of office politics well can lead to many
rewards in your career. In addition to fitting in and getting
personal recognition when an opportunity presents itself, you
also need to accept constructive criticism just as well. Never
take it personally, rather look at it as a chance to grow and
learn from mistakes. If you come off as defensive when you are
being criticized, it will sabotage any chance you have of
becoming part of a group.
Know your limitations, toot your own horn, play by the rules,
make your talents shine and most of all, respect yourself and
those around you. Remember that you will not be able to please
all of the people all of the time. But pleasing those that
count, those in authority and those that you work closely with
is equal to winning half the battle. Be subtle, make the
transition as seamless as possible and make yourself useful.
Only then will you have a chance at winning the war. It is the
easiest way to survive office politics in any company.