Office Bullies! Those namakool types people in the office who wouldn’t just let you breathe and make every possible effort to make your life in the office, a living hell!

You simply cannot escape them! They are the hunters who are always ready to prey the innocent humans and eat them alive! The only feeling that I get when I see one is to poke my fingers into their ribs and pretend that my fingers are sharp knives, and keep swirling them around till my heart and brain are satiated enough!

Enough said! Let us find out some effective ways How To Spot An Office Bully and deal with them cleverly. This is going to help you tremendously if you are new in your job.

1. Office Bully Will Plainly Disagree To Whatever You Say

They actually take classes in how to irritate people by contradicting to their ideas and insertions. If you simply say, “I am hungry”, they would definitely contradict to it by saying, “No you aren’t, you are just too over starved”! Well, really?

Here’s How To Deal

Learn to see through them. IGNORE!

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No matter how you want to maintain your privacy, a nosy colleague’s resolve is like rock of Gibraltar. He will loiter behind your back when you are engrossed on your phone, may be sneak into your phone to know your secrets when you have left it alone. Worse, ask you bizarre questions during the lunch hours about your boyfriend. These are the situations and those are people that you can’t keep at bay because you are exposed to a large number of people because you are working in an open space. Sometimes getting to interact with such a diverse crowd is a rewarding experience but the people that are nosy are the most challenging species you will ever discover in your workspace. Sometimes, they will raise issues in your career too by their uncouth curiosity. Here are a few ways you can keep your nosy colleagues at your arm’s length:

Look busy:

Your intrusive and nosy colleague will leave no opportunity to check on you. So, you can periodically have them lurking behind you or a chat window may open all of a sudden. They will rather devise a lot of creative ways to ask you things, only one thing can dampen their spirit, just look busy!

Just change the subject:

It is obviously rejuvenating when you chat with your colleagues during breaks. You, thereby disconnect from your work and learn about how your colleagues spend their times outside office. But there will always be one who won’t feel satisfied until they scoop out every bit of information about when. When you bump into one, just keep changing topics. It will leave him confused.

Bore them to bits:

When you paint your life in the most boring ways (no matter how effervescent it is), it will deviate their attention from you and you will be sorted. Be careful about your social media posts but, it won’t work with them if they find you having a good time fairly frequently.

Keep your personal things to yourself:

Only in case if you don’t want things to be broadcasted. Your job is to keep your personal pictures, wallet, drawer tightly secured and out of their reach. This is a proven way to stop them from wrecking your nerves.

Limit your social media access:

Try not to log in to your Facebook or Instagram accounts when you are at work because some eyes from the other desks might be obliquely following your each move. It really freaks us out if any Tom, Dick or Harry asks to become friends in Facebook. We are not saying that you will have to ignore their friend requests in the social media channels but limiting their access will do.

You can meanwhile continue to play nice with them.

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Bosses keep their employees on their toes and then adulate them with the random parties at the office. Every boss is a bittersweet symphony from whom we learn many things. After all, they are the front runners of the project that we work on. Hence, he makes sure that everything is in right order. Boss would sit down and get chatty with their employees about the progress of the business to get into the bottom of things. Then again, there are many kinds of bosses in the world such as the ones who want to be your friend, who are kind, who hate you for no reason, who can never have enough of your skills, ho keep their distance and many more. If we judge you on the merits of your zodiacal qualities, here’s how you will behave as a boss:

Aries:

You are just driven towards making your workplace better and you will be a good mentor who gives a lot of work to people. You will also scold them in their wrong approach.

Taurus:

You will have a stickler for management. You will process things in a said manner for the overall benefit. However, you will be very hard working and make sure your employees are too.

Gemini:

You will be such a micro-manager and all over the place that will drive your employees crazy. You are pro at multitasking so would ask the same off your employees. You are manipulative so will keep them on their toes by brainwashing them.

Cancer:

There will not be any more kinder boss than Cancer. You will seek loyal employees who are loyal towards their work too. But the, you should not become insecure and trust your team.

Leo:

Life is a party with a Leo boss. You will take your employees to drinks and cocktail parties to pamper them to bits. Yet, you will churn out the best performance from them by hook or crook.

Virgo:

You are love quality over quantity and dedicatedly love excellence. You are a perfectionist which will elevate mental assault to your employees sometimes.

Libra:

You love those who go by your guidelines. You are a balance between being too generous and too lethal. You think you can never be wrong which infuriates your employees.

Scorpio:

You will always be pretty intimidating as a boss and will have trust issues also. You have certain negativities that extend to your employees so probably you should act as a team player rather than donning the boss’s hat. It’s okay to be control-freak but not okay to insult others.

Sagittarius:

Your work too is an adventurous quest for you. You are always in the lookout for something new and when you grab a new project, you are just over the moon. But the major drawback is, you look at your employees as slaves.

Capricorn:

You are the mom, dad, friend rolled into one to your employees. You are business minded and hardworking. An workaholic Capricorn can be a very good mentor to their employees.

Aquarius:

Eclectic as you are, you will manage a team very quietly without making a lot of fuss. You will be the most favorite in office as for being a fun boss. Also, you will have a good networking skills that your employees should learn from you.

Pisces:

You hate being a boss and overly apologetic when you ask someone to do something for you. But, dear Pisces, your over concerned nature can let people take advantage of you. Don’t be way too liberal, just draw line in the sand.

So, now you know how will you be as a boss, tada!

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Believe it or not, almost every workplace is a political environment!

While many say that they don’t engage in such games, there’s actually little truth to that. Even though we probably might not realize it, we are all engaged in office politics to a certain extent. While the word POLITICS implies doing absolutely anything to get ahead, office politics is really all about building relationships to get things moving at work.

As an employer your take on office politics may differ significantly from those whom you supervise. While managing office politics can be a difficult thing to do in diverse companies, trying to maintain a healthy, productive political environment is crucial for success in today’s complex workplace.

Being an office politician might come naturally to some, but to others it can develop over time out of necessity. With that being said, one fact remains the same: top performers are those who master the art of winning in office politics.

Here are some smart tactics to How To Play Politics In The Office and win the political game, the “Ethical” way!

Learn and Master: The Fine Art of Tactful Boasting

Most employees think they have only two choices when it comes to self-promotion; remaining under the table or sounding arrogant, but neither works! Good self-promoters know this: They’re always planting seeds for the future. They understand that doing a good job doesn’t mean that others will actually realize it. In order to become a top office politician, develop a personal track record as someone who gets results and don’t dwell on your mistakes or others will, too. Celebrate your successes gracefully and tastefully. You never know; it might actually rub off on your coworkers!

Keep Revolving Among Your Mates: Don’t Stick With One Group

By sticking with the same people at work, you are more likely to miss out on the important information or the factual news in your company. Mingling with your coworkers during lunchtime or coffee break is the best way to keep up-to-date with all that is happening in the different departments. Office politicians don’t cling too tightly to one crowd; they master the art of making good conversations with both peers and bosses. With that being said, make sure that you don’t become the office “social butterfly” to the extent that you aren’t getting your work done!

Build Positive Associations With Influential Profiles

Let’s face it; some people have more power than others, either through their position or personality. Understanding the informal and formal network is key to becoming a successful office politician. Find out who’s who in the organization and identify where the power and influence lay and who are the real influencers. Who is highly respected by everyone? Who has the last word in discussions? Once you know the profile power figures at your company, build relationships that are based on trust and respect with those who have the informal and formal power while avoiding empty flattery. Pay attention to the way they speak, network and work, and develop your strengths in a way that emulates their behaviour.

All Said And Done: Be Real to Yourself and Others

Standing up for the right things, being known as a person who is honest, dependable and fair are indispensable qualities of a true office politician. Practice what you preach; do what you say you will do. Whenever you hear something, take some time to evaluate how much credibility it has. Rise above personal conflicts and never rely on confidentiality. Assume things will be disclosed and so decide what you should reveal accordingly. Doing so, you might not be liked by everyone, but you will be respected by most for sure.

Make Yourself Audible: Have Your Say

You know that weekly 30-minute meeting that you all hate because it seems to drag on forever? These meetings might seem irrelevant and very common but they are one of the most important aspects to give attention to when it comes to office politics. Not only this is your chance to be with the people who have the most influence over your promotion, but your are being evaluated by both your peers and boss. Office politics demand that you come prepared for these meetings. Even if you don’t have much to say, be prepared to say something. If you miss your shot, rest assured that your competition will be waiting to pick up the ball.

Office politicking happens whether we admit it or not.

Some people try to be noble and refuse to play the political game; they try to focus their efforts on their tasks and hard work hoping that they will be noticed and rewarded. But in fact, there is no such thing as not being part of it. Business is all about competition; from time with important colleagues, prestige, recognition, bigger salaries, to – of course – power.

Don’t hate the game of politics; step out of your comfort zone and play it to win!

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Whenever I talk with people about office politics, I get to listen to a number of monosyllables, which they say is synonymous to office politics. Favouritism, back stabbing, insolence, self interest and selfishness, not a list that sounds good, is it? But somewhere it does represent the darker side of human nature.

We all have faced it, or will definitely face it at some point of time. When you ask a person, if they are or were subjected to office politics, you generally get to hear all about the person’s struggle in the office, how there was the particular fellow who couldn’t stand his success and that these are regular things that happen at all the workplaces.

We see five things that you could learn from office politics.

1. Confronting professionally:
They say you shouldn’t knock down the bridging between you and your colleagues. However, it’s really hard not to be angry sometimes, especially when you feel that you have been taken advantage of. In that situation simply buck up and confront the person or situation professionally. Having experienced it personally, I think, people really respect somebody who admit their mistakes and confront a situation honestly. There could be times when things don’t seem to work for you at all.

2. Avoid being passively aggressive:
If I say that I’ve never gossiped at work, I’d be lying. There certainly are times, when you feel stressed or powerless, which in turn makes you possess bad attitude. It is difficult to not get involved in office politics, as we are not robots. Rather all you are required to do is to avoid being passively aggressive. As even if you don’t want it to, negativity builds on itself.

3. Learning things before being a part:
When you join a new place, try to learn about the functioning of things, before you start adjusting yourself in the new work environment. Understand the office culture, history and things that have been tried before. Take time to know your colleagues and direct reports. Be open and look out for new opportunities and not challenges.

4. Develop positive political skills:
In a book called ‘political skill at work’, researchers have identified four key competencies an employee gets to learn from office politics. They are social astuteness, interpersonal influence, networking ability and sincerity. What is so special about these skills, you ask? Well, all I can say is that those who are not politically skilled in these traits generally come off as manipulative or self serving. In other words, bad behaviour at workplace, shows how unskilled and incompetent you are.

5. Do things you hate doing:
Identify your weak areas and blind spots. Having done that, you’re sure to get better at project management and organising. Fear has always been a powerful motivator. However, you’re complacent if you are not afraid of facing it.

Job transitions happen quite often these days. You never know which job could land you in a mess at workplace. Professional relationships are an integral part of work culture. I, however suggest you that if it does not seem to work no matter how hard you try, them my friend, you’re probably not at fault and it’s time you switch.

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Like it or not, politics will always be around, and this is how things get done.

There is no way to avoid it (unless you work for yourself and never interact with anyone else professionally – which is quite rare!). If you’re not involved in the politics of business, you’re not playing the game. And if you’re not playing the game, you can’t possibly win.

Successful professionals don’t only play the game, they play it well, and they play to win!

But what is the recipe to cook up a delicious game? Any idea?

Well, here are the most important INGREDIENTS TO COOK A DELECTABLE OFFICE POLITICS RECIPE!

The Unwritten Rules For Cooking It Right! 

The Unwritten Rules For Cooking It Right!

Clearly understand the unwritten rules that your company, your industry, and your network operate by. An example of an unwritten rule might be that no business is discussed at certain company functions (they may be considered purely social). If you approach your boss’s boss to pitch a new idea at one of those functions, your idea (as great as it might be) may never be considered. Understand the unwritten rules – your chances of winning the game will go up exponentially! So that my friend, is the unwritten rule! Bring all such rules to your bowl and mix them well in your recipe! Cook them well to make a great dish!

Outstanding Negotiation Skills For That Punch!

Outstanding Negotiation Skills For That Punch!

Approach the political business situations as you would any negotiation. Do your homework and think through what you need, what the other person needs, what you have to offer, and how you can facilitate a win-win outcome. A good dash of negotiation skills will bring that desired punch to your dish! Just remember to go in for the right quantity of negotiation! Do not over-do, do not under-do! Taste matters here!

 The “Quid Pro Quo” For Added Zing!

The “Quid Pro Quo” For Added Zing!

Consistently deliver value for those you work with, and keep in mind that the quid pro quo of office politics is something in exchange for something else. Don’t settle for always being on the “giving” end of that relationship – think about what you want in exchange and cash in your chips when it makes sense to do so. This skill will help you equalize your gains and giveaways! A balanced dish is what is remembered. Add the zing to make it a memorable dish and a term thereof.

The Garnish: A Sturdy Mentor

The Garnish: A Sturdy Mentor

Now is the time to garnish your dish. Seek out someone at your company or in your industry who knows the ropes and is willing to help you hone your political business acumen. Ask lots of questions, study their methods, and model your approach after theirs. And in keeping with quid pro quo, be sure to return the favour! The cherry on the top is your mentor!

Serve It Well By Staying In The Game 

Serve It Well By Staying In The Game

Don’t avoid politically charged situations. Use them as opportunities to fine-tune your political savvy. Even if it feels uncomfortable to you at first, remind yourself that when you are actively involved in creating the solution, it will generally reflect more of what you want. When you stand on the sidelines and refuse to get in the game, you miss your chance to influence the outcome. To serve a great dish, you have to present on the table. Remember? So, instead of being the guest, be the host to the game, and serve your cooked recipe to each one.

Here is your perfect recipe for a luscious political office game. Cook it well, serve it well, and eat it well too!

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Even though there is a lot that has been written about office politics before, there’s a secret that we have always kept to ourselves.

This is something which is not told too often.

It’s a technique that allows you to get the better of any opponent in just about every workplace situation.

You ready?

Here it is a secret to winning at office politics

Own The Question. Always!

In an office, when trying to influence an organisational decision, most people work really hard to come up with iron clad reasons why the decision should be in their favour and not yours. They strengthen those arguments with footnotes, facts, and references.

However, you can emasculate all of that work and reduce it to total irrelevance simply by owning the question.

You see, every decision is an answer to a question: How do we fix this? Where should we buy this? How can we market this? Who’s the right vendor? In every case, the question defines the limits of the answer. Change the question, and those limitations slip away.

Corporate office politics

The Situation 

For example, suppose the CEO calls a staff meeting to discuss the recent loss of a big customer. The chief engineering officer builds a strong case that the company lost the account because the sales team screwed up and the marketing sucked.

Corporate office politics

The Tactic of Owning The Question 

Both executives are sitting at the table with the CEO, ready to fix blame, when the chief sales officer walks in, sits down, and says: “The real question we need to answer is: How can we win that customer back?”

Bingo!! The carefully prepared finger-pointing is swept away, because rather than trying to own the answer, the CSO decided to own the question!

The true power of this technique is to own the question before it even gets asked. Do that, and you can almost always end up driving a decision that is favourable to your own agenda.

Corporate office politics

How It Works In Real Life Office Scenario

Now, if this happens in real life (we are sure this could be a case in any office). Suppose the Marketing Head wants the company to buy new iPads for the entire team. He asks the CFO, “Do we have the budget for 50 iPads?” and the answer is no.

All that Marketing Head can do at this point is argue about budget priorities.

But let’s suppose that instead of asking the usual question, the Marketing Head asked the CFO, “How much ROI is needed to justify a an INR 12,00,000/- equipment purchase?” In this case, the CFO will probably say something like, “INR 24,00,000/- in the first year.”

Now all the Marketing Head  needs to do is prove that having iPads will result in an INR 24,00,000/- increase in yearly sales revenue. By owning the question, the Marketing Head got an answer that moves him closer to achieving his goals. His objective of getting the iPads for the team is met too.

Corporate office politics

Do you get the technique here?

We realize that these examples might seem a bit simplistic, but when you get right down to it, office politics aren’t really all that complicated. Decisions are almost always made within the parameters of whatever question is asked.

Own the question and you own the decision.

It’s really that simple!

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