Surviving
Office Politics At Your New Job
Whether
you are just starting your first job or your
10th job, you will find that office politics
is consistent in all companies. Office politics
is something that is inherent in any company
you may work for. It's part of the culture and
you won't be able to avoid it. So just how do
you survive office politics and still get to
make your talents shine? Simple, you need to
market your talents everyday, just as you did
during the interview that got you the job.
You
basically need to focus on fitting in with the
scheme of things around the office. Be friendly
and outgoing and offer support to your co-workers
and management when possible. Refuse to engage
in the sleazier side of office politics and
soon management and your peers will take notice
of you. You will win their support and respect.
Don't be afraid to toot your own horn to management.
Don't assume that they should know what you
do all day. They have their own agenda and may
take notice of some things that you do, but
many things may go unnoticed. Your positive
attitude and activities will rally support and
leave a lasting impression to everyone.
It's
ok to offer to take on additional responsibilities,
but only do it if you have the time or someone
else hasn't stepped up to the plate. Don't bite
off more than you can chew, it will make matters
worse and make you look incompetent. The trick
is to show that you are worth more and soon
you will not only fit in, but also come to be
relied on for more important assignments. You
will be a player in the game of office politics,
no longer an outsider looking in. An increase
in responsibilities usually means a raise as
well.
Playing
the game of office politics well can lead to
many rewards in your career. In addition to
fitting in and getting personal recognition
when an opportunity presents itself, you also
need to accept constructive criticism just as
well. Never take it personally, rather look
at it as a chance to grow and learn from mistakes.
If you come off as defensive when you are being
criticized, it will sabotage any chance you
have of becoming part of a group.
Know
your limitations, toot your own horn, play by
the rules, make your talents shine and most
of all, respect yourself and those around you.
Remember that you will not be able to please
all of the people all of the time. But pleasing
those that count, those in authority and those
that you work closely with is equal to winning
half the battle. Be subtle, make the transition
as seamless as possible and make yourself useful.
Only then will you have a chance at winning
the war. It is the easiest way to survive office
politics in any company.
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