#NEXTCHAT: The Inescapable World of Office Politics

#NEXTCHAT: The Inescapable World of Office Politics

Office politics.  They’re a reality in the workplace and a necessary skill.  Whether you know it or not, you engage in office politics, every day, and they are impossible to avoid.  Even if you choose not to interact with others, you are still engaging in politics and it’s probably not helping your career.

It’s not about being dishonest, calculated or two-faced.  It’s not about jockeying for an advantage, or sucking up to those who can help you.  It’s about communication.  It's about building relationships, creating allies and understanding the positive impact these actions can have in regards to getting ahead in the world of work. 

Complicating office politics is the mix of four generations in the workplace and how each communicates. How does each generation view and practice politics and how does this affect workplace dynamics? Let’s look at some common stereotypes.  Boomers are highly political after years in the workplace, have mastered face-to face and are quickly getting up to speed on social media (even if some still call it Tweeter). Gen X gets it and is proficient on- and off-line (show-offs). Millennials have yet to see the value in office politics, and while they may have thousands of Facebook friends, they lack interpersonal skills and would rather send 57 text messages than speak to you in person -- even if you're sitting in the cube next door (“Will c u IRL 2moro, K?”).  Are all of these true and does it even matter as long as you’re connecting?

How are you navigating office politics at your workplace?  Are you using them to leverage things around you?

Please join @weknownext at 3 p.m. ET on November 7 for #nextchat with special guest Steve Browne (@sbrowneHR).  We’ll be talking all about office politics and want to hear your thoughts on the following questions:

Q1. Why are office politics necessary?
Q2. What does it take to be successful at office politics in HR? 
Q3. How would you handle someone who politically tries to sabotage your career?
Q4. How do office politics prepare one for future leadership roles?
Q5. What are the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to office politics?
Q6. What's the best tip or advice on office politics that you can give to those just entering the workforce?