The Downside of Office Politics
Politics is ubiquitous; hence, it is part and parcel of human dealings even in most, if not all workplaces. Employees play politics simply to come in the limelight and gain undue attention and appreciation from their supervisors and managers. It has been insinuated in some quarters that Employees who do not believe in working hard depend on nasty politics to make their position secure at the workplace. And I concur; office politics promotes irrational behaviour leading to a negative ambience at the workplace.
As a matter of principle, I believe that every employee must pay their due; not in any way relating to money but must have a visible amount of contribution and commitment to the growth of the organisation. I recall starting a new job and feeling I must make myself relevant; this is how everyone feels but this feeling makes two kinds of individuals;
1. Those who play politics to remain relevant
The major challenge to the growth of organisations are employees who feel entitled. I am not saying employees should not request what is rightly theirs. What I mean is politics increases the feeling where some employees feel entitled and superior over their superiors; ironically, this happens and it is counterproductive especially in organisations that require information to move from one cadre to the other.
2. Those who work hard to remain relevant
For me, remaining relevant through hard work and being productive is the most sustainable of the two ways. As a matter of fact, individuals who have this mindset are the strongest; they are more resilient, always learning and are often in search of new ways to remain productive. They maintain a lifestyle that ensures complete loyalty to their organisation.
It has been my principle as a professional to always clearly define two sides to situations; the side that touches my weakness is often converted to a strength. I remind myself that I could give myself excuses why I must not be perfect (weakness; Afterall, nobody is above mistakes); not giving in to this thought, I encourage myself that I should strive to attain perfection (strength).
In the word of Saint Francis of Assisi;
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
St. Francis of Assisi
This has been my motivation for self-development. Why bother myself about what is impossible? If it is necessary then it becomes possible; I must find a way out.
Although in some workplaces, politics is enabled and encouraged by those at the helm of affairs, every employee must know that this path is not sustainable. As a matter of fact, I don’t envy such employees. As an employee, what should be in your priority is to develop yourself for cross functionality and trans-organisational relevance.
Apart from what I have just stated above, politics have other negative effects on employees;
1. Affects Concentration
Office politics has the ability to cause distractions in the workplace; thus, making it difficult for employees to concentrate. Imagine a workplace where employees are constantly afraid of their words being twisted before a superior. That workplace won’t have efficient collaboration. Employees won’t contribute freely and gradually; such behaviours breed a negative and toxic workplace environment.
2. Spoils the Ambience
A negative and toxic workplace has no ambience. Employees don’t have good relationships with each other; it goes further to create micro gossip groups. This is usually instrumental in changing the attitude of employees.
3. Changes employee Attitude
Recalcitrant and tardiness are infectious; and none is more infectious as incivility. However, efficient employees can become infected with bad behaviour which usually causes a hostile work environment and low morale among employees.
4. Decrease in productivity
Politics reduces an individual’s output, which has an impact on the organization’s productivity. People who engage in workplace politics, according to popular belief, pay less attention to their work. Backbiting is more appealing to them. They spend the majority of their time criticizing one another.
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