Politics permeates almost every part of our lives, and it appears that the workplace is not exempt. According to research by Robert Half's Accountemps, political tension is a major factor in today's workplace.
The majority of people who participate in office politics, or 55% of workers overall, do so to enhance their careers. According to the report, 76% of workers—up 20% in just four years—believe that office politics have an impact on their efforts to advance.
What is office politics?
The most common method of office politics is gossiping and spreading rumours. In a poll conducted by Accountemps, 46% of employees reported seeing these behaviours most frequently. Other typical office politicking practices include complimenting the boss, taking credit for others' work, and sabotaging co-workers’ projects.
Because they are wary, workers are less involved, participate less, and provide fewer ideas when they believe their workplace is political. Teams cannot operate at the levels necessary to accomplish their objectives in this environment.
While there can be good politics at work, bad politics breeds conflict, hinders productivity, and lowers morale among staff members.
These six office politician types, as well as advice on how to deal with them, were identified to aid workers in navigating the political environment of an office.
Gossip hound:
This person is a know-it-all about what's going on in the office, and they aren't afraid to spill the beans to anybody. They frequently disregard open office ethics and like discussing private information with coworkers or on social media. It's crucial that staff keep their interactions work-related when dealing with a gossip hound. Try to leave the topic as soon as you can if it begins to stray into your coworkers' personal lives.
Credit thief:
This individual will use every opportunity to advance, even if it means misappropriating the ideas of others. Speak up in front of your coworkers about your opinions and the projects you're working on to prevent being the victim of a credit thief at work. Additionally, keep your manager informed frequently so they are always clear about who deserves credit for your efforts.
Flatterer:
A flatterer is someone who enjoys showering others with compliments, but it can be difficult to discern if they truly mean it or just want to win them over. Fortunately, the majority of business executives can spot a faker, so you don't need to point out the flatterer's actions.
Saboteur:
Someone who exclusively works for their own gain. They openly criticise others and don't think twice about making fun of their coworkers. Additionally, they don't often accept accountability for their own errors. When dealing with a saboteur, it's critical to be vigilant. By confronting the saboteur, you might be successful in halting this conduct. Record your conversations and share them with your employer or a human resources representative if it doesn't work.
Lobbyists:
Lobbyists are known for their tenacious advocacy and ability to affect public opinion. Speak up when you disagree with the lobbyist's viewpoints to make sure your voice is heard. Although these individuals frequently don't like hearing viewpoints that differ from their own, outlining your point of view may be all that is required to get them to be receptive to fresh ideas.
Advisor:
The advisor is frequently the person in whom business leaders confide and seek advice. Making friends with the advisor is in your best interest because they are well-informed about corporate affairs and have a lot of clout in the background.
These are some types of political people that exist in an office environment. So, even if you are in your dream job, it is always wise to keep an eye out for these people. Make sure to tackle them properly and set boundaries!
Want tips on how to handle office politics? Keep an eye out for part two of this blog coming on your way soon!