How Do You Deal with a Manipulative Colleague Who Plays Office Politics?

Dear Seniors, In my company, the Business Head is playing politics with everyone, including the boss, but he is very clever. He knows how to manipulate the boss's perception by showing only what he wants the boss to see, in his own way. Behind the boss's back, he badmouths only the boss. If the boss favors anyone, he then tries to tarnish that person's image in the boss's sight. Similarly, I am also unable to say anything about him to the boss, although I am aware of everything.

Please guide me on what I should do; I am considering leaving this company.

Regards,
Anupma

Politics is everywhere. No company is run without politics. Handle them deftly. Leaving is not the solution.

Regards,
Pon

Dear Anupma,

Leaving an organization is not the right solution because when you join another organization, you may face similar people. So, it's better to take this as a challenge and try to solve the problem rather than run away. Remember, actions speak louder than words, so your words to your boss regarding that person are not enough. It is more important to create a situation where your boss can see him while he is backbiting or engaging in other unethical behavior.

Don't say anything wrong to your boss; just keep yourself on the safe side. On the other hand, naturally show him what he is actually doing behind his back.

Best wishes, Anupma.

Regards,
Rabia

Dear Anupma Sihag,

Questions Regarding Your Concerns

1) Kindly let me know the reason as to why you want to update your boss about the dirty tactics of your business head.

2) In what way can you help your organization by updating your boss about your business head?

3) Have you analyzed the losses incurred by your organization for which you can blame your business head?

4) What is your role in your organization?

5) Do you think that if you update your boss, your organization will benefit from your suggestions?

Looking forward to hearing from you at the earliest.

With profound regards

I read an article in the Economic Times discussing how every corporate house is involved in office politics, including behaviors such as backbiting, unhealthy competition, or dealing with rude bosses. Here is an excerpt from the article:

Navigating Office Politics

Politics is a reality that you cannot avoid; challenging individuals such as devilish bosses, backbiting colleagues, and annoying subordinates will always be omnipresent. The key is learning how to navigate around them to propel your career forward. In some workplaces, office politics can become quite vicious, and we are not just referring to political offices. Managing power and influence within your company will always be a significant aspect of your career, regardless of whether you have the temperament for it or not.

You can read the entire article at: Tips to deal with office politics - ET Slide Shows - Features - The Economic Times

I hope this article guides you on the right path in dealing with office politics.

Thank you.

Office Politics – Can Anyone Avoid It?

As long as an organization is run by human beings, there is going to be a human element involved to spice up your life and stay in an organization. And that element, sad to say, is POLITICS.

Politics is what some people use to stay ahead in the game. For those who don't know how to play clean, politics can be vicious and can consume those who don't know how to stay in the game or play the game. If you are young and don't have much experience working, this is going to come to you as a rude shock from the real big bad world. But it's better to realize that just like we breathe to live, some people play games to survive. Learn to survive and then thrive amongst these sharks! I'm exaggerating a bit, but one word of advice: you don't have to become like them. Stay in the game by being good at what you do and being smart/shrewd. Develop foresight and use every experience as an opportunity to grow in learning how to handle them better the next time. This is a good training ground; who knows, you might evolve as a strong leader of the future!

Talent and good work cannot be hidden for too long. I had a colleague who played such hard politics behind my back; he nearly got the MD to believe that I was redundant until one day he was thrown out within half an hour for cheating and lying to the organization. I was awarded the Employee of the Month and promoted with a good salary.

GOOD LUCK