Workplace politics is the manifestation of power dynamics among co-workers.

“People leverage these power dynamics to further their own interests or that of a group they are affiliated with,

“Such behavior is inevitable, given that human beings are naturally political and will do whatever it takes to protect their own interests.”

Of course, there will always be some form of politics in the workplace. However, that workplace politics can be positive or negative. Your responsibility as a leader is to avoid and overcome the negative political behavior in your workplace.

Everyone comes to the table with their own personal goals, egos, aspirations and agendas, and in order for someone to get what they want, there is always going to be some level of compromise, negotiation and politicking,” Frankel said. “Where this starts to become problematic is when personal motivations are not aligned with those of the company.”

Recognize The Game

Negative political behavior

Negative political behavior is “playing dirty at the expense of someone else — for example, watching a colleague make a mistake on a project and then turning around to report them to your boss and offering to correct the error.”

Negative political behavior can include these actions:

• Backstabbing a colleague
• Blackmailing a colleague
• Forming malicious alliances against other colleagues
• Gossiping or spreading rumors about others
• Intentionally withholding important information

Positive political behavior

Although office politics often involves negative behaviors, it is possible to engage in positive political behavior.

An example of positive political behavior is identifying and aligning yourself with key influencers with the goal of leveraging their influence for career development without compromising your values or that of the organization.

Positive political behavior can include the following actions:

• Volunteering
• Presenting a professional image
• Complimenting and recognizing others

The Impact on Career Growth

Equipping employees with the skills to navigate office politics effectively can have a profound impact on their careers. By understanding power dynamics and building positive alliances, they enhance their ability to work collaboratively and contribute meaningfully to their teams. In turn, this can lead to greater visibility, more opportunities for advancement, and ultimately, a more fulfilling career.

In conclusion, navigating office politics is an essential skill for employees. With the right training and support, they can learn to navigate these dynamics with confidence, enabling them to thrive in their roles and contribute positively to their organizations.