Hi, I welcome suggestions on implementing new policies or taking steps to improve quality measures to stop dirty politics and gossip in an upcoming branch of an established company. Also, advice on how to implement these measures without breaking the hierarchy, especially if the person who is engaging in such behavior happens to be the Team Lead.
Thanks, Sagarika.R
From India, Hyderabad
Thanks, Sagarika.R
From India, Hyderabad
I have traveled the same road in the past and had to dirty my hands cleaning, or rather, make an effort to clean such situations. It isn't easy because of "where" it occurs; most of the time, you see it breeding at the level of positions.
First, we did a damage analysis, which was how it's impacting team productivity, team constituents, then examined critical/non-critical resources, repercussions of exits - a thorough brainstorming. Then we dug down to identify the problem people. Based on the level they were in, we decided on strategies to approach them. We knew it was imperative for us to use antivenom to neutralize the poison, and we were ready to even look at replacing heads, which we did as a final step. However, we did use subtle tact to approach people in question and gave them feedback and confronted the issues facing the team.
First, we did a damage analysis, which was how it's impacting team productivity, team constituents, then examined critical/non-critical resources, repercussions of exits - a thorough brainstorming. Then we dug down to identify the problem people. Based on the level they were in, we decided on strategies to approach them. We knew it was imperative for us to use antivenom to neutralize the poison, and we were ready to even look at replacing heads, which we did as a final step. However, we did use subtle tact to approach people in question and gave them feedback and confronted the issues facing the team.
Hi Rajnish!
I read your description on root cause analysis of office politics. But tell me, how can we do something for the victims of politics? In all probabilities, the people playing politics at the workplace are the individuals in reasonably good positions. These individuals in good positions could very well be the ones who conduct the damage analysis! If that happens, the purpose is lost! I liked the concept of damage analysis, but I am a little doubtful about how it can be useful for bandaging the damage caused to the victims of politics. Could you please elaborate on its effectiveness?
Thanks and regards,
Lalita
From India, Madras
I read your description on root cause analysis of office politics. But tell me, how can we do something for the victims of politics? In all probabilities, the people playing politics at the workplace are the individuals in reasonably good positions. These individuals in good positions could very well be the ones who conduct the damage analysis! If that happens, the purpose is lost! I liked the concept of damage analysis, but I am a little doubtful about how it can be useful for bandaging the damage caused to the victims of politics. Could you please elaborate on its effectiveness?
Thanks and regards,
Lalita
From India, Madras
Lalita, good point. In our case, we (HR) did the analysis and based on factual data, we tactfully confronted managers. As regards the victims of office politics, following HR intervention, they do see a positive change that they welcome. We have gone to the extent of changing reporting structures and have found it to be very effective.
Stay focused: Always remember what your largest goals in life are and what your priorities are. Do not get involved in the problems, gossip or dirty games that will divert you from your goals and waste your time. As aggravating as some situations can be, if you always stop to evaluate how important each issue is and how important it will be ten year from now, you will be able to take better decisions. Concentrate on doing an excellent work and developing strong working partnerships with your colleagues: This is not “Survivor” or "Apprentice." There are no million dollars at the end of the path that will justify any behavior. No job is safe anyway, so playing politics may not make it safer, but will definitely get you on the radar screen of "politicians" at work. Do not be a control freak: Control freaks tend to be perfectionists who think they have to keep on eye on every thing or that they are capable of doing everything. Other types of control maniacs are those who are afraid that if they do not show their importance they will be thrown out. Great leaders are good at delegating. Great leaders empower people around them and motivate them to do their best. If you surround yourself with good people, and trust and guide them, then you will have less stress, more friends, higher productivity and time to focus on important, but less urgent issues. And you can create a work environment where there is less politics. Know yourself: Know your weaknesses and your strengths. This way you can deal with your weaknesses in a better way. Everybody has weaknesses, you can overcome them working as a team or by taking appropriate training. If you really want to become a better person, consider working with a life coach. Avoid gossip: Few activities are as destructive as gossip. Usually it does not bring anything positive; it only gives some momentary “pleasure.” How do you feel when you know that people are talking about you behind your back? Nobody likes being criticized and the people who do nothing but criticize. This includes even casual comments about the mean, stinky boss, the low wages, the unfair schedules, etc. Stay informed, but avoid gossiping and begetting. Again keep your focus. Stay calm: Many people enjoy being part of the action. The workplace is not the place to exhibit this behavior; leave it for other places. At work, the calmer you are the more productive and professional you will be considered. Before you declare a crisis think it twice: In other words, do not overreact. Ask yourself, "Is this really a crisis? Can I solve it by myself? Does it really need the input of other people?" Be careful accusing people: It is difficult to be fair all the time. It is even more difficult to work with people that are not fair and tend to make accusations without thinking twice. Keep away from this behavior. Over time you will be perceived as someone who is always fair and has unassailable character. Once you earn that reputation, even "politicians" will be afraid of attacking you because others around him/her will simply not agree. You cannot avoid being in the middle of office politics, but you can avoid falling in the trap. If you keep above the politics, you have a better chance to see more clearly how things really are. Avoiding dirty politics does not mean to close your eyes or to let others step on you. Always keep an eye on what is happening around you, be friendly with everybody all or most of the time. Go to meetings well-prepared and be ready to present your points in a non-confrontational manner. You will not always keep everyone happy but certainly you will have less stress and more time for pursuing your professional goals. Regards Avinash Pillai Avinash Pillai
From United States, Mountain View
From United States, Mountain View
hi,dont be fool .listen to ur heart and behave properly u dont involved in any politics and try to be away from it as much as posible .anurag sharma
From India, Delhi
From India, Delhi
Anurag Sharma,
First of all, I would request you to mind your language while addressing a forum and don't criticize others when you have taken on the role of a problem solver here.
Secondly, humans are completely driven by thoughts and emotions, which is considered a major difference between us and animals. Even though we all know what is good and what is bad, when we face a problem, we need help in guiding us on how to deal with it in our practical lives.
The person who posted this was asking for a few tips and advice on how to avoid getting involved in dirty politics and how to handle it when it comes from their team lead. I provided some tips that could help them navigate such situations.
Regards,
Avinash Pillai
From United States, Mountain View
First of all, I would request you to mind your language while addressing a forum and don't criticize others when you have taken on the role of a problem solver here.
Secondly, humans are completely driven by thoughts and emotions, which is considered a major difference between us and animals. Even though we all know what is good and what is bad, when we face a problem, we need help in guiding us on how to deal with it in our practical lives.
The person who posted this was asking for a few tips and advice on how to avoid getting involved in dirty politics and how to handle it when it comes from their team lead. I provided some tips that could help them navigate such situations.
Regards,
Avinash Pillai
From United States, Mountain View
Hi, My question : How much you are responsible to the society, can any one give some examples on this? Regards, S2
From India, Bangalore
From India, Bangalore
Hi, I think one should let one's work speak for itself. Some people have problems accepting that they are not the center of attention, especially when one is used to being in the spotlight. Keeping calm can be challenging when someone deliberately misinterprets a situation, but I believe a calm approach is the best response rather than reacting impulsively.
Kiranjyot
Kiranjyot
Hello, I would like to know how you went about the "damage analysis"; could you please elaborate? I understand this post was made 4 years ago, so I'm hoping you still visit this forum. Is there anyone who can assist with this? Thank you.
From Malaysia, Penang
From Malaysia, Penang
Hi friends,
I am frustrated with the dirty politics in the company. We should raise our voices regarding this issue. We need to work towards eradicating this negative aspect of the workplace. Otherwise, we will have to endure it in every work environment.
I am considering writing an email to the honorable Narendra Modi, Prime Minister's Office. I believe they will definitely help resolve this situation.
Thank you.
From India, Bangalore
I am frustrated with the dirty politics in the company. We should raise our voices regarding this issue. We need to work towards eradicating this negative aspect of the workplace. Otherwise, we will have to endure it in every work environment.
I am considering writing an email to the honorable Narendra Modi, Prime Minister's Office. I believe they will definitely help resolve this situation.
Thank you.
From India, Bangalore
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