Ask a Mentor: How Do I Respond to Office Politics for Greater Success?

Edited by Sandra Kleinsasser & Julie Tereshchuk.

Politically Speaking, You May Need to Vote with Your Feet

All this talk of elections, voting and the like made us go diving back into the Ask a Mentor archives for this still-timely advice. And yes—we endorse this message!

Dear WCA Mentors,

Do you have some tips on how to respond to office politics for greater success? I’m afraid I just stepped in it.

Dear Stepper,

Naturally, everyone will tell you to keep to the high road when office politics are swirling in your direction. But it’s hard! Competitive office environments can be more vicious than a tribal council on Survivor and, really, you never know who might someday be your boss or may end up in a hiring position years from now at another company.

Sound familiar?

Someone just tell you that Sue is sleeping with the boss to get that promotion? Keep your response neutral and change the subject. Don’t give in! You can do it!

Copied on a snarky email about Bill’s brown-nosing? DELETE. Do not put anything in email that you would not want posted on the office bulletin board. Ever.

Getting cut out of this quarter’s Big Project being run by Drama Debby? Again! You’ve got to act immediately. Ask Deb what you could do differently to be part of the team next time. Don’t be defensive or accusatory. Keep the conversation factual and based on actions, not personalities. You may learn something about your performance or you may learn that this workplace belongs in your rear-view mirror.

Finally, avoiding politics does not mean merely keeping your mouth shut and your nose to the grindstone. Campaign for the kind of workplace you appreciate! Celebrate office successes. Compliment good work. Contribute ideas and good, solid work. Lead by example and think Switzerland.

Readers, if you have other sticky office politics in mind, send ‘em along to wcamentors@wcaustin.org.