This is a hard pill to swallow: you cannot escape office politics. It is a reality of professional life and an inevitable aspect of any workplace and company you cannot just ignore. But the good news is, there is a huge possibility for you to not just to navigate office politics, but also to thrive and grow in your own workplace—with the right practices and proper mindset.
Darrel Cabarrubias, a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP), expressed in an interview with Cosmopolitan Philippines that the discourse of Organizational Behavior affirms that politics in the workplace is a reality. And while there has been a negative connotation surrounding it, it is essential to understand and effectively navigate office politics.
"You have to accept that it exists. It comes even with simple exchange. It doesn’t mean masama 'yun. Playing politics can be intimidating.. But you can’t just be passive [about] it. Since it’s real, it’s happening, [you] might as well be proactive about it," Darrel added.
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Navigating office politics and thriving at the same time is a valuable skill that every professional, regardless of their role, should cultivate, as it can help "lead to significant career growth and personal development."
So instead of avoiding it, why not handle it? Here are relevant and well-researched strategies on how you can navigate and handle office politics, to make sure that it works ~for you~ and not *against* you.
Here's How You Can Navigate Office Politics And Shape A Successful Career
1. Know Your Position
The quote, "if you don't define yourself, someone else will," speaks volumes, particularly in the topic of navigating office politics. Accepting politics as part of your professional journey does not mean you have to compromise your beliefs and values. In fact, it demands a strong commitment to them.
In the Filipino workplace, toxic cultures at work often revolve around a lack of boundaries, authoritarianism, the utang na loob culture, and a tendency towards people-pleasing. In such an environment, knowing your position and your stand can significantly impact how you respond to and navigate office politics.
In the interview, Darrel underscored the importance of "identifying your strengths and your weaknesses, personality and skill wise." This will help maintain your integrity and ethics, which in turn could help an individual be more competitive and build a stronger foundation in responding to office politics.
"In Filipino culture, there's a lack of boundaries.. Kailangan mo ma-identify (yung mga nakakasama).. Where do you want to be positioned in the team? In the organization? Once you know your position, you can act on it," he said.
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2. Build Positive and Professional Relationships
According to Harvard Business Review, the connections and networks you cultivate throughout your professional journey are invaluable assets. Investing in strategic and meaningful relationships not only enhances collaboration and teamwork but also fosters a supportive environment where mutual respect and trust thrive.
These relationships serve as currency in navigating the complexities of office dynamics, providing insights, opportunities, and valuable alliances. By actively engaging with colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders, you not only expand your influence but also gain access to diverse perspectives and resources.
3. Identify Power Dynamics
In a Human Resource (HR) perspective, Darrel emphasized that part of successfully navigating office politics is identifying the "plays of the people, how they do their work, and who has the upper hand."
In the Philippines, respect for authority and seniority often plays a pivotal role in decision-making processes and career advancement opportunities. This affects how people respond to dissenting opinions, proposals, and even resolving conflicts. By recognizing who holds power and influence, it will be easier for individuals to respond in the right way and align their interests with organizational objectives while respecting hierarchical structures.
4. Do Not Be Afraid To Speak Up
"[When] no one is afraid to be challenged or speaking up...That's what a positive office politics look like," Darrel stressed.
In navigating office politics, silence and compliance is not the answer. According to the Forbes Human Resource Council, you have to ask the right questions. Including the tough ones—of course, with respect. Asking the right questions is more than just seeking information; it's about understanding perspectives, clarifying intentions, and fostering meaningful dialogue, especially in navigating hard situations in the workplace.