CORPORATE SURVIVAL 101

Office politics is often an inevitable part of any workplace. It can be a source of stress, frustration and confusion, especially when navigating office dynamics where power struggles, alliances and hidden agendas may be at play. You cannot run away from it in the corporate world. However, rather than letting these politics negatively affect your well-being or career progression, you can use emotional intelligence to better navigate the complexities of office relationships. What we know as ‘ama 2k’ have changed the culture so much, making it more confrontational, being bolder to approach conflict, challenging the boomer’s timid approach to office politics and the idea that shunning away makes your work life easier, and this is why this conversation is important.

Emotional self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. To effectively deal with office politics, you first need to recognise and understand your own emotions. When you feel frustrated, upset or threatened in a political situation, it’s crucial to pause and reflect before reacting. It is important to take a moment to acknowledge how you feel. This pause helps you avoid saying or doing something you might regret. Instead, take a more measured approach to handle the situation constructively. The world is always watching and Mrs Shongwe at the back office just might be waiting for you to lose your cool.

On a retrospective note, empathy is a key aspect of emotional intelligence that allows you to understand the emotions of others, which is essential when dealing with office politics. To understand how to deal with people that make life difficult, you must give yourself time to understand their emotional compass. In a politically charged environment, many colleagues might be dealing with their own stress, ambitions or insecurities that they bring to work and sometimes it really has nothing to do with you – outside of projection. Empathising with their perspectives can help you navigate tricky situations with sensitivity and insight. So sometimes instead of assuming they are targeting you, try to understand their situation. Are they under pressure to meet deadlines? Do they feel overlooked or undervalued?

Management

Moreover, one of the key components of emotional intelligence is relationship management, which includes the ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts and inspire others. In an office environment, diplomacy is essential when handling office politics. The ability to navigate tricky interpersonal situations without escalating conflict is a vital skill. When dealing with office politics, practice tact and diplomacy. If you need to address an issue with a colleague or superior, do so in a calm, respectful and non-confrontational manner.

Knowing what to say and when to say it is important. Instead of focusing on blame or finger-pointing, try to express your feelings or concerns in terms of how the situation affects your work. Work on cultivating a collaborative attitude. Look for win-win solutions that benefit both parties and create an environment of trust and cooperation. Showing a willingness to compromise, while still standing firm on your values, can help prevent office politics from becoming a battleground.

Office drama often revolves around power struggles, and being neutral in these situations can be challenging, but it is essential if you want to avoid being caught up in toxic dynamics. You don’t need to have an opinion on everything, nor do you need to take up every interaction. By leveraging your emotional intelligence, you can remain impartial and avoid aligning yourself with one side of a conflict. Instead of getting involved in gossip or taking sides, try to stay objective and work towards solutions that benefit everyone. Being the person that does not get bogged down by petty office politics can set you apart as a leader and a role model.

State

Additionally, be aware of the energy you bring into the workplace. Your emotional state can have a ripple effect on those around you. If you remain calm and composed, even in difficult situations, you set a tone of professionalism that others will often follow. While emotional intelligence involves being empathetic and understanding, it’s also important to set healthy boundaries to protect yourself from being manipulated or taken advantage of. In politically charged environments, some individuals may try to exploit your goodwill or push you into uncomfortable situations.

Not everything that glitters is gold so learning to assert yourself is an essential part of emotional intelligence. When necessary, set clear boundaries and stick to them. If someone pressures you to gossip about a colleague or become involved in office drama, politely decline. Amid office politics, it’s easy to get distracted by short-term conflicts or tensions. However, emotional intelligence encourages you to focus on the bigger picture. Rather than reacting impulsively to every situation, keep your long-term career goals in mind. Office politics can be frustrating, but they’re rarely worth sacrificing your job over.

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