Office politics are universal. While the intensity, participants, and other specifics vary, it exists across organizations of all sizes and industries. What does it involve? It’s the behind-the-scenes moves and sneaky strategies people use to get ahead or protect themselves. It’s the attempt to figure out who’s friends with whom, who has the power, and who’s trying to climb the ladder. Basically, it’s the unofficial rules and relationships that largely influence how things get done at work.
Most of us are raised with the belief that honesty is the best policy, and we try to live by it. But when it comes to the jungle known as the modern workplace, who among us hasn’t been diplomatic or withheld information to navigate delicate situations? Indeed, it is impossible to succeed if you don’t resort to office politics at times — and I believe this is something we shouldn’t be ashamed of. Instead, we must embrace and improve our political acumen as an act of self-preservation. Because when we don’t pick up this skill, the consequences can be severe.
Office politics worsen systemic issues like gender discrimination.
Take the case of Reena*, a competent 32-year-old PR professional working in a male-dominated firm in Delhi. Reena noticed that, in most meetings, her ideas were either dismissed or attributed to male colleagues. Despite similar experience and expertise, her colleagues received more recognition and opportunities. Reena also learned about informal networks among male colleagues where important information was shared on the regular. She felt excluded from crucial conversations and decisions, and being left out hindered her ability to influence organizational outcomes and advance her career.
Reena believed in meritocracy, but her hard work was not paying off. What did Reena do to stand up to office politics?
First, she resorted to over-documentation: she began to present her ideas in emails and marked her manager in cc so that no one else could take credit for them. Then, she strategically networked with influential individuals within the organization to gain visibility and get the opportunities she deserved. Third, she worked with her therapist to develop a thicker skin because the politics may subside but won’t end.
Today, she speaks super loudly in meetings to avoid male colleagues from talking over her. There are times when she even interrupts them — simply to make a point that no one can mess with her anymore. She has grudgingly gained respect from most of her colleagues. Reena learned to play the Uno Reverse Card, and well, can you blame her?
When your back is up against the wall, you do what it takes to survive.
Amaan*, a 29-year-old software engineer based in Pune, learned that you will be exploited if you don’t stand up for yourself.
In my first job, I was a hard-working, honest employee who never got involved in office politics. But soon, I observed that my senior team members were not only taking credit for my work but were also stretching my shift beyond office hours with unimportant work.
Initially, I accepted this mistreatment without saying anything as a mark of respect for my seniors. I thought things would improve over time, but they stayed the same even after a few months had passed. I then realized I had two options: retaliate or quit. And I chose the former.
So, I began to make excuses and submit unimportant work after the agreed-upon time. I made sure to pepper it with a few mistakes. However, I always completed the work assigned by my direct team lead and manager well before time. I also started talking to them more often to be in their good books. I even became a whistleblower by reporting the wrongdoings of every team member during office hours. When my senior team members realized I was no longer a pushover, they stopped taking credit for my work and giving me unnecessary tasks.
Whatever I did, I did because I had no other option. And while I am not proud of it, I will do it again if the need arises. It’s a dog-eat-dog world, after all. If I don’t protect myself, who will?
If you don’t play, you will get played.
Reena’s strategic networking and Amaan’s calculated response are only two examples of how individuals are forced to adapt to the challenges of the modern workplace. I am sure you know a Reena or an Amaan or have been in their shoes. While playing office politics may seem unethical or morally ambiguous, it is only a practical approach to protect yourself from being overlooked, maligned, manipulated, or exploited. Opting out of it is not an option for the ambitious or those with a sense of justice. Yes, it’s an unpleasant aspect of professional life but it cannot be denied that understanding the dynamics of office politics allows individuals to build alliances, influence decision-making, gain visibility, and get ahead in their careers. And if you think about it, sharpening your political acumen involves strategic communication and relationship-building, both of which are essential skills for success in any profession.
Keeping your head down and focusing on your job sounds good in theory, but it doesn’t always work in real life. When your hard work doesn’t speak for itself, the smart move is to develop a strategy that ensures no one can bring you down. While things can occasionally backfire when you get political, it is better to have played and lost than not played at all. When the consequences of neutrality are obscurity, limited career growth, marginalization, and exploitation, who wouldn’t choose to play the game? So let’s stop marinating in shame and embrace office politics. Here’s to thriving and not just surviving in the wild world of work!
PS There’s a difference between looking out for yourself and compromising your morals. Be mindful of the difference so you know when to walk away.
* Names changed to protect privacy.
