The Art of Office Politics

Today, I want to share something that is very commonly observed in the office. The typical office, yes that's right. Office politics.

Office politics is an ubiquitous art in itself. You craft it the way you like it and others will craft it in the way that they like it. On its own, no problem will arise. However, this piece of art, when done on the same piece of drawing material (meaning when others get involved with the same issue) becomes a hugely polarising problem.

From the moment you step into the office, people judge. Friendly as they may seem, a pair of attention eyes lies behind that innocent albeit sly smile. When you communicate with others, people judge. When you rest on your head on the table for a few seconds for a power nap, people judge. When you rush into the office a few minutes late and the whole office looks like it is okay with you coming in late... you are being judged.

The number one rule in the office is - Be cautious. Be very very cautious. 

I remember communicating with one of my superiors today. I casually commented on the ants that were present in the pantry of another department's office. Boss gave me an awkward stare and said,"That is another department's problem."

Rule number two. Bosses suggest. They don't criticize. Be careful of what you blurt out on the spurn of the moment to avoid having awkward pauses in the conversation. As far as possible, praise the privileges you are entitled to. Avoid bootlicking. Just state the positive statements which are true, of course. Omit negative comments as far as possible. That is the way bosses become bosses. They leave their hands off gossip and criticisms. Keep negative comments to yourself unless you are in an authoritative position to improve the situation.

Rule number three. When you want to push your duties away to another colleague, do so in a discreet manner. Do not shout across the office to say,"Hey no I can't do this! I don't even know how to do this". Try this and guess what you will get? Well, a huge dressing down from your superior. I have seen it for myself... people getting scolded for pushing responsibilities openly.

Rule number four. You can skive. But make sure you skive alone. Sometimes you feel really tired. Your eyes are shutting in front of your working station. Sleep. Make sure your head doesn't touch the work station. Rest in intervals. Do not take naps exceeding more than 5 minutes at one go. Be alert to your surroundings.

Rule number five. Avoid gossips in the office. You think the bosses don't see. You think the bosses don't know. They do. Keep gossip to a minimum and only gossip when you have knocked off from work and are on the way home (If you really can't resist the urge to gossip).

Interesting observations from my day-to-day life I guess.