What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word office politics? Is it flattery, backstabbing, or even office gossip to make your way up by getting a promotion and bypassing your colleagues?  Yes, office politics are real; almost all companies and organizations are affected by workplace politics. 

So what is office politics? 

Office politics is the workplace dynamics with a negative definition attached to it. When company employees use informal networks or channels and unofficial power centers in the workplace setting to benefit their career or position in the office, it is called office politics. Another example is someone sucking up to your boss to get a promotion by bypassing other colleagues who deserve the promotion instead. So, it is clear that workplace politics is a harsh reality of corporate life, but it can be dealt with if you handle it tactfully.  All offices are political to some extent, but you must determine how political your workplace is and act accordingly.  

Analyze the power centers 

First, you should analyze the organizational hierarchy to understand the formal structure and power flow. Take some time to observe the same and determine who all the people who call the shots. You may be surprised to discover that most political power lies not in formal job roles and titles but elsewhere.  

Understand the informal power networks

All organizations have informal networks that can yield authority. So, now you know who calls the shots, you can use these informal networks to know them better and even come in their good books.

these are the ways you can deal with office politics. If you want to read a more detailed article about how to deal with office politics, here is the suggested reading: how to deal with office politics?