Rise Above the Workplace Politics

Hello Everyone,

I joined iNoryaSoft in 2013 and found that it is one of the best places to work with. The work culture was unique and transparent. I was delighted to be a part of such a great culture. Now it’s 2018, and when I look back, I could see that the company has grown manifold. Many budding minds have joined the company with varied and vivid experiences. 

I have always had this thought in my mind that irrespective of our company growing big, we should never tend to lose our unique culture that’s adhered since our inception. We always make sure this during the hiring process too. Though I have a strong feeling that we have been retaining our culture, I am afraid that in the long run - how it would be? So, this is the reason I chose this topic.

Workplace Politics is part of every organization climate and this is faced by most of the individuals on a regular basis. Organizational politics seems to have become more prominent when an organization strives to get better resources. Thus, members of the organization try to use undue influence over others’ decisions in an incorrect way. This also involves coercion, undue influence by one person or a group of persons over the other.

There is no necessity to adjust yourself in an environment that devalues you and causes you stress. At the same time, it is important to carry good memories about your organization along with the work experience.

I would like to give a few suggestions to avoid the workplace politics and to have a healthy work environment:

1. Meditate in the Mornings 

Before you go to work, focus on having a clear mind and create a peaceful vibe to keep yourself composed throughout the day. This helps to handle scenarios better among peers, subordinates, leaders.

2. Focus on Your Goals

To quote on Napoleon Hill, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” It is important to focus on goals than on other matters. If you are busy on your job, then you won’t be having time to talk about anything that is happening around you or that could spoil your peace-of-mind. Be always on “Work-First” mode.

3. Being Professional

At times, it will be tempting to share what you really think of someone or something that is going around. But eventually, this will put your reputation at stake. Even when people around you seem to be unprofessional or unethical, you must try to be professional to them and stick to your values. This will help you grow in your career and earn a big on numbers.

4. Love Your Neighbour as You Love Yourself

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, do not gossip and do not complain. There are always two sides for a story. Therefore, try to understand the reason whenever you deal with issues. Put yourself in others’ shoes before you speak something about them; it is easy to love others as you love yourself. Be empathetic!

5. Build Your Network

Try to be friendly and united with your colleagues and all others in the office. It is not necessary to have egoism in the workplace. As it is important to deliver your work end of the day, aim at getting it done in the best way that you can, without hurting your fellow mates. To deliver your work, you need the help and coordination of your colleagues. So, build and maintain rapport with everyone. 

6. Access with the Management Team  

Most of the issues occur when the employees fail to raise their concerns to the management. Things will get better when you elevate your entanglement to the notice of the management rather than talking and gossiping about that within your circle. Move on and escalate whenever needed. A good management always want to hear from employees’ grievances.

7. Be Cool

Stress is a part and parcel of our everyday work life. It is important that you handle the work stress carefully to give a better and quality output. Taking too much stress might lead to less quality outputs and result in a chaotic situation. When your opinion contradicts with others, remain silent for a few minutes; take a deep breath and relax – this will help you calm your mind and make you composed to handle the situation in a better way. 

8. Be Kind

You can always change the negative situation to a positive one by being kind to others. Waiting for a few seconds in the lift for your co-worker to get in or getting a coffee or snack for your team member when they are busy will build the team bonding. 

9. Keep Yourself Busy Always

As there is a saying “the devil finds work for idle hands to do” - when you feel your work routine to be boring, try to do the work in a different way. If you are done with your work and still have time, do not choose to sit idle. Instead, consume that time for learning or self-development. This will help you explore your knowledge and keep you away from gossiping. Keep Learning!

10. Go Home with Satisfaction

When you are done with your day, try to think and analyse your contribution for that day. What have you done and what are the things that you shouldn’t have done? Appreciate yourself when you feel that you have contributed to your work in a positive way. Keep a checklist on your daily performance.

I would like to conclude saying that “Live your life to the fullest and always try to make a positive impact”. Everyone has the freedom to do whatever they want, as God himself has given a freewill to Humans to choose what they want. But it is important to think before we do or say anything against anybody in any situation. Hurting others knowingly or unknowingly will have its own impact, as we all know that life is a circle and it has its own boomerang effects.

We are Glad that we do not have work place politics in our office!

Ruby Joice. G,

HR Manager, 

iNoryaSoft Pvt. Ltd.