How to Avoid Work Politics

T he sociability of human beings is a boon many times, but in the workplace, it may become a problem. We love to talk, and the easiest thing to talk about is other people: what they are doing, their failings and successes, and their feelings about others. We may want to know how to avoid work politics, but rarely want to apply that knowledge.

However, it is not long before our need to be involved in the social goings-on at the office turns around to bite us too. It’s never a good idea to indulge in gossip or hear whatever is on the grapevine that day. In fact, it may as well be that you end up becoming the object of this gossip sooner or later!

To prevent this from happening, follow our guide to avoiding work politics in its entirety.

Share with Caution

Because most of us spend so much time at work, it becomes difficult to keep putting on a face and pretending we are perfectly happy. The facade breaks sometimes, and the need to vent and share comes up. Many of us talk about our relationship problems, our children’s latest issues, and even our own mental health struggles at the office.

However, it is not wise to carelessly air all your dirty laundry before people who may not be true friends or have your best interests at heart.

This is not to say that there are no friends at work. Instead, we urge you to realize that we need to thoroughly vet an individual before we go on sharing personal information with them. Make sure that the person you are speaking to does not have ill intentions and will keep your secret.

Identify Gossip Mongers

There are many people who pretend to be your friend and gain your trust, only to backstab you later. These gossip mongers are common and probably appear in every office setting.

Monitor people’s behaviors carefully and see what they do with the personal information you share with them. If you find another person in on your secret later on, or you observe this person relishing your downfalls and asking for more sensitive information, you might want to be on the lookout. 

Once you have established that someone is a gossip monger, the best thing to do is stonewall them– short answers and no emotional engagement.

Be Direct with People

Another important part of avoiding politics is to never complain or talk about people behind their backs. Be gently direct with people if they have offended you, hurt you, or if you have a work-related issue with them.

It is better to talk it out with the person in question than to discuss their shortcomings with others. This gives the person in question the space to explain themselves and change their actions.

Don’t Talk about Others

Whatever you have heard on the grapevine, never pass it on to others. It is the mark of a wise human being to keep the gossip they receive with them and refuse to pass it on. When we take this decision, we are not just out to protect ourselves, but standing against the entire institution of gossip spreading, politics, and drama.

It is possible that you might not be as popular as those who take it upon themselves to hurt others by talking about them behind their backs. But this is the kindest and wisest thing to do.

The Drama Triangle

The drama triangle is a common conflict scenario that plays out between three roles: the prosecutor, the victim, and the rescuer. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel so intimidated by someone that you cannot say a word to protect yourself, you may be in the victim role. The victim often feels sorry for themselves and feels powerless to change their situation. 

If you’re the one seeing this kind of situation play out and want to help the ‘victim,’ you may be playing the rescuer. It may seem noble to want to help others, but it takes away their agency and works as a good distraction from your own problems.

Alongside everything else we have mentioned, read more about how our personal traumas and ego injuries can play out in a workplace setting. Remember, if we don’t deal with our emotional wounds in our own time, they can take over our lives in many such ways.