Quiet Confidence + Authenticity admist Workplace Politics.

“I don’t like workplace politics. Politics is dreadful.”

“I avoid workplace politics as much as I can. I’m here to work, not play politics.”

 “I’m a good person. I’m not a political creature.”

These are some common phrases I hear about workplace politics. It is often seen through a tinted lens of negativity.  

As an introvert, it is easy to be drowned in a workplace where loud voices and aggressive politics seem to dominate. As a high achieving introvert, does that mean sacrificing authenticity at the altar of workplace politics and career progression? Can you stay true to yourself and thrive in your career?

Let’s first dive into what workplace politics is. Workplace/Office politics refers to the strategies that individuals and groups use to gain advantage, personal gain, or to achieve their goals within an organization. It involves the use of power and social networking within a workplace to achieve changes that benefit the individual or the organization. Simply put, office politics are about the differences between people at work. These can be differences in opinions, personalities, authority, or power.

Workplace politics is not inherently bad. It can be a means to achieve positive outcomes, such as driving changes, fostering innovation, or advancing one’s career in a manner that is also beneficial to the organization.

The reality is you cannot escape work politics. Yes, that includes remote workers. Therefore, it is key to navigate workplace politics ethically and effectively, using influence and networks to foster collaboration and achieve goals without compromising one's values or integrity.

So what can you, a high achieving, quiet, sensitive professional who is looking to live true to your values & self? This article offers reflective questions and strategies for those navigating the murky waters of office politics, to remain authentic while achieving your career goals.

Before spilling the tea on some practical strategies, Here are some reflection questions to build self-awareness of where you stand in relation to workplace politics..  

1.     How are you framing workplace/office politics?

What does politics mean to you? How we view it will frame the way we choose to show up to the workplace environment. When we label politics as negative, we will begrudge what we’re doing or don’t see the point of doing.

2.     What is your style against your workplace/office political environment?

Kathleen Kelley Reardon, an expert on organizational politics, classifies political players into one of four types:

The purist: Do you dislike all thought of politics, and simply want to get on with the job at hand?

The street fighter: Do you believe the best way to get ahead is through the use of rough tactics, even at the expense of others?

The Team Player: Do you believe in getting ahead by working well with others and participate in the politics that advance group goals?

The Maneuverer: Do you believe in getting ahead by playing the games of politics in a way that is skillful and unobtrusive to those who only take things at face value?

Knowing your style and your work environment is important. This will help you either to upskill in terms of ‘political intelligence’ or inform you to review your job prospects in the current environment. It’s very unlikely that a purist will be happy or productive in a highly politicized environment or that a street fighter will be welcome in a minimally politicized environment.

3.     What are the values you hold dear?

Pinpoint your non-negotiables. What values are you unwilling to compromise on? Integrity, honesty, respect? Let these principles be your guide, ensuring that every decision, interaction, and political maneuver aligns with your true self.

4.     What are your professional goals?

As you learn to navigate office politics, make sure you continue to align with your long-term career aspirations. Office politics are but a moment in the grand scheme of your career. Staying true to your path, with a focus on long-term goals, ensures that you navigate these challenges with your authenticity unscathed.

Here are some ways to build ‘political intelligence’ with authenticity and grace.

 Tip #1.     Cultivate genuine relationships.

Not all relationships are equal. There are some relationships that are more profitable and some less when it comes to your career. But that doesn’t mean you only build relationships when it suits your agenda.

Forging authentic and positive connections with people you work with (not just those whom you think you’d benefit from) will build a strong support network that benefits not just you, but those within your network as well. That way, when you require it, you can call on your network for support, not in a “you scratch my back, I scratch yours” manner, but in a genuine, “I’m here for you” attitude.  I believe when you foster a strong connection with the mindset of giving, it comes back to you in a fruitful manner. Be a giver not just a taker!

Tip #2.     Develop your communication skills.

Communication skills – including listening skills are important in navigating workplace politics. Clearly articulating your ideas, concerns, and feedback, can foster an environment of transparency that can counteract the often murky nature of office politics. Navigating office politics requires the ability to actively listen. Most situations arise from making the wrong assumptions. Simply “playing back” what you heard with the intent to understand can help you steer clear of potential issues.

Tip #3.     Courage to speak up!

Introverted professionals may find this challenging. It can be difficult to be brave and make your voice heard. But knowing when and how to stand up for yourself and call out poor behaviour is a vital skill to build in managing difficult relationships where workplace politics is concerned. Sometimes it involves asking tough questions to avoid being embroiled in unnecessary power struggles because of gossip. Asking a colleague “Have you shared your concerns with that individual directly? Do you think your goal would be achieved quicker if you went directly to the source?” allows you to remain professional and neutral.

Tip #4.     Keep it professional.

Maintaining professionalism is key. It speaks volumes about your character and helps preserve your grace under pressure. Setting boundaries - knowing where to draw the line around acceptable behaviours and practices is also important in maintaining professionalism. This also ensure others do not take advantage of you or you others for the sake of political gain.

Tip #5.     Assume positive intent first.

This is my favourite tip in being authentic and quietly confident when navigating workplace politics, and one I use as much as I can.  Assuming positive intent is giving the benefit of the doubt and refraining from immediately jumping to negative conclusions about their motives. When one assumes positive intent, it naturally creates an environment for more empathy, and a more conscious choice towards understanding instead of criticism or judgement. When we come with a positive intent, we approach a negative situation with a win-win mindset and that often sets a stage for a more positive outcome.

Office politics are an unavoidable aspect of any work environment. Despite the potential for self-serving exploitation, there are healthy ways to manage them. You just have to know how. Navigating the political landscape at work might seem like a daunting challenge. Especially for the quieter professionals. It is possible to stay true to your quiet nature yet manage the tricky and unavoidable part of work life – which is office politics.

Get in touch with me if you need a safe space to explore and be equipped with tools to manage workplace politics with grace and authenticity.