Feeling Undermined at Work: How Do You Navigate Office Politics and Change Perceptions?

Seeking Advice on Navigating Office Politics

I am a human resource professional working in an IT services organization for the last three years. Lately, I've become a victim of office politics and would like to check if there is a way to turn things around. I am really looking for mentoring, support, or advice from the senior folks in our forum, which can help me change the perception that is built about me in the organization.

Our company had a headcount of 200 when I joined, and it has since reached a headcount of 400 and is still counting. I did extensive work in hiring, took up ad hoc responsibilities, and did everything diligently, adding value to the organization by doing things that inspired not only my colleagues but also impressed my manager. There was a moment when the vice president of the company publicly awarded a pat on the back to me, but things changed after that, and my own manager started behaving in a weird way. For instance, if one does a bad job, it is inevitable for the boss/manager to act grumpy, but it's hard for me to comprehend the reason for passing the heat when one is at the top of the game. Can his behavior be manifested as being insecure?

A few months ago, they hired somebody above me who apparently wants me to do basic activities rather than the ones I perform now. Obviously, he will do things that are in his interest and not mine or the organization's. Although I do the entire work, the appreciation goes to him. Also, some of my friends in the organization advised that he floated rumors of me being a junior guy. Does this happen often in corporate companies? As a human resource professional, I explain to people our office culture, which is supposed to be open and transparent, but I am in a dilemma about whether it actually is.

Obviously, I cannot talk to anyone in my office about this; hence, I thought of seeking help here. Please help!!!

Regards,
RT

This is really very bad. We live in a world in which not everyone is perfect. You may face hindrances due to the natural behaviors of others. But one thing is sure: if you tolerate and absorb the pressure, then you will succeed.

Tips for Handling Office Politics

Here are a few tips:

1. Check why your senior behaves in such a way.
2. Openly express the positives of your senior publicly so that you win his trust.
3. Avoid his negative points because they only demoralize you.
4. Check in which areas you can help him.
5. Build an open relationship and goodwill in your senior's heart.
6. Always respect him because he may be senior in experience or skill other than the post he holds.

Expected Outcomes

When you do all that:

1. You will win his trust and gradually decrease hurdles created by him.
2. You both will participate in the growth of self and the organization.

My Advice to You

1. Wait.
2. Absorb pressure.
3. Respond in a positive manner.

Regards,
Ziad Hussain

The post made by Mr. Ziad Hussain is correct. Really, this type of situation arises in almost every company at some point. Only a positive attitude towards the problem can overcome this kind of issue. I too have faced such issues at times, and it really helped. A time will come when the person you see as a hurdle will become your best friend, and you both will work together to achieve personal and organizational goals.

Thanks,

Suraj Kumar Biswal

Zaid has given a fantastic solution. It will really help you. If you think negatively, it will ruin your career growth. Be positive and accept your new boss.

Regards,
RT