Unavoidable office politics, how to deal

I worked in an office with all women staff, while most would think that the drama that occurs in this type of environment may be overwhelming, overall it was pleasant. There was always someone I could relate to in terms of my feelings whether I was miserable, joyful, or melancholic. Throughout my four years at this establishment, even though my professional evolution never went any further than the telephone cord could stretch, it wasn't a complete loss.

Years later, after starting my career in marketing, I accepted a position in automotive marketing. Evidently, I worked in a dealership consisting mostly of men. It was a constant battle of whom, out of all sales consultants and managers can get more deals and ultimately earn the title of being the best. They did however, align their goals to that of the organization, but at one time or another, it is negatively impact the group with the battle of the egos.

Office politics is referred to as the use of power for the pursuit of agendas and self-interests without regard to their effect on the organization's efforts to achieve its goals. This use of power influences the behavior of others and can be destructive. Unfortunately, office politics can negatively influence social settings, cooperation and communication.

In most of the positions that I have held, I have always been able to take initiative, I don't wait around for the big boss-man to tell me what to do or how to do it. After all, I am a professional and was hired based on my experience. While department leaders who complete work that was not given to them are viewed as an employee to takes initiative, new employees are overstepping their boundaries, or worse, are brown-nosers.

In automotive, everyone knows they are right when it comes to a sale or added incentives in a deal. There is no, or very little, humility in this type of environment, no one communicates well, and there's a constant power struggle. Whenever you're in a sales environment, everyone will do what it takes to make the sale happen, it's a constant power struggle.

You'll likely find this type of environment with veteran employees, the ones that know their job so well they could do it in their sleep. Of course their experience in the organization is beneficial for all, if it is being used properly. However, communication with other employees may not be the highest quality, or the veteran employee may be so forthcoming that he, or she, communicates in a way that discredits other employees in which case will have a negative effect on the environment.

How do you combat the effects of a political office environment? It's a process, it's requires more effort on your part to understand your environment, know who you are working with and what motivates them.

1.       Being a good listener will help and ask the right questions to the right people; however, don't expect people to regurgitate their life story, but if they do it is in your best interest to listen and take mental notes.

2.       Be kind. This kind of approach will open the door to getting the information that you need from your colleagues, you will earn the respect that you deserve in the process.

3.       Be genuine and accepting of people. If your office environment consists of a diverse group of employees from sales to tech to creative, you will need to keep an open mind as not everyone thinks the same way. Our minds, whether creative or technical, are all different.

4.       Know when to speak. It is also wise to know your audience. In marketing, we tailor our communication based on the target audience; it's not any different in the office. If you know who you will be meeting with you'll be better equipped to communicate your message clearly and increase the chances of receiving it well.

5.       Be tactful and professional. If a meeting doesn't go the way you intended it, refrain from lashing out, it can negatively impact the environment and tarnish your relationship with your peers. Rather, practice patience and return in a few hours after the dust settles.

It may be challenging at first, the idea is to keep the lines of communication open with everyone in the organization, whether you work with them directly, or not. It is a professional environment; everyone will have their own opinions, strengths, and weaknesses and it is up to you to keep yourself in check. You can't control what other people do or say, in every aspect of life.