Surviving Workplace Politics
Posted in Workplace Issues
Avoid saying anything negative out loud about your boss
You might be an open minded person always trying to say what is on your mind. Sometimes, this can be a good trait. But when it comes to speaking negatively about your boss, this can lead into disaster. Some co-employees might not think the same way as you. What you might be saying that you think would be put into strictest confidence may actually find its way to your boss, putting you in a precarious situation. Avoid it as much as possible.
Don't be too careless even in company get-togethers
Some employees might think that they can let all hang out in company or office parties and informal events. Although this might be a time to be in a more comfortable and friendly situation even with the senior managers in the company, employees should still take good judgment of what they talk about. It would not be wise to talk or complain a lot about what is not good in the company. And for a party, it should not be the best venue to do so. Try to keep party conversation with topics that do not concern work.
Avoid telling offensive jokes
Jokes told within a group of employees may have a different effect on different people. While some might find it humorous and funny, there would be some who would find it offensive. Avoid trying to make jokes about co-workers as well as those that may sound tasteless. One misplaced joke can be enough to generate tension within the office and make work quite a struggle later on.
Send your complaints directly to the person in charge
Some employees tend to air their complaints to everyone around them except to the people who really should need to hear about them. These complaints can sometimes be amplified with more and more employees trying to agree with them. Eventually, it can harbor discontent within the office which might eventually affect office performance and order.
Discontent about certain work conditions should not be something to spread around the office. Such complaints should go directly to the ones who might be able to do something about them. This way, such complaints can be addressed directly rather than just going around in circles at the office and harbor ill will within the working environment.
