| Office
politics: you’d better watch your back
No matter how
far you are able to distance yourself from the internal politics in the
office, it is still possible that you will be affected by it.
Someone in your organisation - maybe someone you have long thought of as
an ally - may suddenly see you as a threat to his own career path. When
this happens, this person may start acting in ways designed to undermine
your reputation and effectiveness.
Of course, you have to be careful not to jump to conclusions. But don't be
dumb, either. If you have any reason to suspect that someone is sabotaging
your efforts in the office, don't be passive.
Make it your business to discuss the situation with him. But be careful.
Skilled players at office politics are good at covering their tracks. So,
if you have to, be prepared to provide concrete evidence to back up any
suspicions you may have.
In the meantime, keep your guard up whenever you are dealing with anyone
who does the following:
- Speaks negatively of you:
Watch out for poison tongues, especially when they encourage you to
talk negatively about others in the company or about the company in
general.
- Steals your ideas: Beware
of co-workers who frequently come to you to pick your brain but never
give you credit when presenting your ideas to the bosses.
- Breaks their promises:
Steer clear of people who make commitments but do not tell you until
the last minute that they cannot meet them, thereby making you look
bad in the eyes of others.
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