If you find yourself in a dealing with workplace politics, then there are some easy ways to deal with them. These include focusing on your business objectives and building a network of allies. In addition, you should avoid retaliation.
Understanding the other party’s perspective
The best way to do this is to conduct a comprehensive study of your employees and subordinates. This could be as easy as a quick poll on paper or a more hands-on approach in the form of a formal survey. The results will be better for it, and you’ll be well-positioned for the future. This is especially true if you have a good team of savvy, intelligent evaluators at your disposal. Regarding work and play, you have to be on the ball or in for the dreaded smackdown.
The secret to surviving a smackdown is to stay a step ahead of the pack and not to be afraid to stand your ground. After all, you are a boss. This could mean the difference between a promotion or rescinding your best efforts. Having said that, if your employees aren’t your best friends, they will likely be your worst nightmares.
Avoiding retaliation
Workplace retaliation can be a serious problem. It is often illegal and can negatively affect the employee and the company. To avoid retaliation, an employer needs to establish robust ethical standards.
In a healthy corporate culture, whistleblowers are encouraged to report retaliation. However, when employees are retaliated against, they are less likely to work effectively in a team and are less productive.
Fortunately, there are many signs to watch for to identify retaliation claims. In addition, disciplinary procedures can be used to prevent retaliation.
The best way to avoid retaliation is to establish a code of ethics that includes a zero-tolerance policy for retaliation. This will help ensure that management holds itself accountable and that all employees are held to the same standards. You can download a free template for a code of ethics here.
Focusing on business objectives
When dealing with workplace politics, it’s best to focus on business objectives. This is because this can lead to a more effective solution. You will also be more successful in the long run, which is the ultimate goal.
A good way to start is by understanding the power of communication. This can help build relationships, eliminate confusion and reduce the chances of a conflict.
Another useful tool is transparency. Not only will it keep your company from getting in hot water, but it will also diffuse misconceptions.
Another great way to minimize workplace politics is to hire people who embody your values. For example, if you commit to putting the customer first, hiring employees who respect your customers’ needs is important.
Leave a Reply