Office Politics

[Telefonica]

Originally Posted by Lord-Barrington

1) Be as pleasant as possible to everyone. Staff, coworkers, janitors, whoever. It makes a huge difference for your image and it makes for a more pleasant workplace. 2) Build up a support network at your workplace. Have people who can vouch for you and your work. The more the better, even if they aren't head honchos. 3) If someone is trying to undercut you or stab you in the back, beat him to the punch and "discuss" the issue with a superior. That often diffuses the situation because the offending party loses the upper hand and has to explain himself/herself with little preparation. I've found that this works well. 4) Avoid ugly workplaces. Workplaces aren't all created equal. Make a conscious choice to work somewhere with an office culture that works well with your personality.
/thread ^^^This is a great explanation. A serious word of warning though: there are people out there that will smile as they derail your career. These people are some type of sadists - do not take them lightly.

Originally Posted by Piobaire

Smile and nod.... It also works for people you have a problem understanding due to their accents.

lol, I do this a lot.

 

[Big T]

Being the owner, it is up to me to define the office arena and manage the politics. Our setting is rather small, with a total of 8 (me included), so it is easy to see when someone is not carrying their load. There are also lesser elements that need watched closely, such as arrival/departure times, how much visiting occurs between the office staff, mid-level and production staff. But in the end, it is my responsibility to anticipate trouble areas before they become trouble areas.