Dealing with office politics ©2001

          Imagine you enter your office one morning to find some of your fellow employees giving you the cold shoulder. The office manager is snapping at his secretary and no one wants to touch the coffeemaker. Welcome to the world of office politics.

          Word has spread around that you prefer butter to margarine, or that you write with your left hand. That you drink decaff instead of espresso. The boss looks at you funny cause he heard you don't like football. Thus begins the making of political allies and enemies in the office.

          Rumours, gossip and petty peeves. Backbiting, work load dumping and complaining to the boss. Seems silly? You bet. Petty? Of course. Down right childish? Unmistakeably. But a reality that many have to deal with every day.

          Running the office gauntlet without someone wanting to stab you in the back with a pencil is not an easy thing to do. People will always have prejudices both big and small. Arguing, verbal abuse and plotting work sabotage are more serious issues. But small grievances left unchecked can lead to more serious problems down the road.

          So, how does one deal with frustrated, grumpy, angry and resentful co-workers? Kill them with kindness. It really does work. Have you ever tried to stay angry with someone who has done something nice for you? Did you ever rant and rave at a face with a friendly smile? Not likely. It is very difficult to do.

          How often have you heard yourself say, "If I hear just one word of complaint I will blow my stack." Or, "Just one more comment about my work and I am going to let them have it!" We often find ourselves waiting to be pushed one more notch. But when that expected nudge becomes a kind word, or a pat on the back instead, it defuses people's anger and diffuses stressful tensions.

          It's hard to be angry with people who are nice to you. No matter who you are, Christian or non-Christian, it's very difficult to be rude to someone who is pleasant. The biggest hurdle is swallowing our pride and making the first move. This is the most difficult obstacle to overcome. But with God's help you can do it.

          Most petty grievances come from people who don't really know us enough and judge us by what they see or hear from others. But when they have a personal encounter with us it can change all pre-conceived notions. When that happens you will also see a noticeable improvement in your work environment.

          Hostilities will cease, backbiting will give way to cooperation and strangers even if not friends, will become acquaintances. So how does one go about being kind to people who are angry with them? First, make a point to bump into them alone. Maybe at the water cooler, coffeepot, lounge or washroom. Make a point of starting a conversation with them. Offer to pour them a cup of coffee, pass them the sugar, or hand them a napkin etc.

          Start with the little things then work your way up to bigger things. Bring in a bag of candies to share with everyone in your department. Offer to help with a small matter. There are all kinds of ways and opportunities to change people's opinions of you.

          When the political games come into play don't take sides that will undermine authority. If the boss is deciding on an issue that affects everyone and someone else thinks that the boss has no business doing it, don't take sides until you know the facts.

          And even then, unless it directly affects you and your work let the boss handle it. Don't try to undermine their authority by siding with the complainers. Even if the complaints are justified. You must weigh the matter carefully and decide if it is worth defending or not. If it is, always take the matter up directly with your superior.

          If you have a grievance then tell the boss what it is, don't go crying behind their back to other workers. That only adds fuel to the already smoldering fire. Dragging more people into it is only going to make matters worse. It will eventually get back to the boss and you will have damaged your standing in their eyes.

          When you do approach a superior directly, don't just blurt out a complaint. Use tact and diplomacy. Discuss the matter and point out the negative aspects while at the same time keeping an open mind as to the reasons they offer for their position.

          You might find there is more to it than meets the eye. Maybe bigger plans are in the works, or favourable changes are going to take place. Don't jump to conclusions; always know the facts before you make a stand. You will gain the respect of both your boss and your coworkers.

          Volunteering a little of your time to work related community programs will also go a long way in establishing your reputation as a team player with a heart. It's also a great opportunity to show your faith. Love in action speaks louder than a mouth full of well wishes.

          You have the power with God's help to change your circumstances in any situation. If you will apply yourself accordingly you will succeed.