Surviving the Corporate Jungle and Winning the Power Game
Why the Corporate Journey is like a Game of Snakes and Ladders All organisations, big or small, have power centres and interests with differing agendas. In addition, especially in large firms, there are multiple power centres and senior executives with agendas of their own who jockey for the available resources and promotions to them and…
Ways to Reduce Politics at the Workplace
Employees indulge in politics to win appreciation from the superiors and tarnish the reputation of the fellow workers. Individuals who do not believe in working hard depend on nasty politics at the workplace simply to save their own job. Changing jobs frequently is no solution to politics. One must try to avoid politics for a…
Toxic Workplaces, the Harm they do, and how Organizations can Avoid Becoming One
What are Toxic Workplaces and what Characterizes Them? Workplace culture is very important for organizations to bring the best out of their employees. Workplace culture is also important for employee engagement and employee productivity. Indeed, without an enabling workplace culture, employees would be demoralized and demotivated to work and this results in organizational atrophy and…
Politics arises when employees try to gain something which is beyond their control by tarnishing their colleague’s reputation. It has been observed that employees who are indulged in office politics pay less attention to their work. Individuals play politics at the workplace when they tend to misuse their power simply to come in the limelight and gain attention of the superiors as well as the management.
Nothing productive comes out of politics; instead it leads to criticism and negativity at the workplace.
Politics increases stress and also spoils the relationship amongst individuals.
There are certain individuals who attend office just for the sake of it and do not believe in working hard. Such individuals have no other option than to depend on nasty politics. They try their level best to create a negative image of their fellow workers just to come in the good books of the management.
Mike, Joe and Tim represented the branding team of a reputed organization. Mike and Joe gave their hundred percent at work while Tim believed in tarnishing their image in front of Jack - their superior. Jack had blind faith on Tim and trusted him completely. He never gave Mike and Joe their due credit and blamed them for every mistake. Tim on the other hand was promoted and appointed as the new team leader.
Personal relationships amongst employees can sometimes also lead to politics. Politics arises when individuals go all out to support their friends, relatives or neighbours at the workplace. One should never mix business with personal life. Your team member might be your best friend, but at work he needs to be treated just like others. No special favours should be granted to him.
Sandra always supported one of her team members -Maria as she was her child hood friend. Maria left no stone unturned in criticizing her team members. Sandra blindly supported Maria as they had spent their childhood together. They even came to work together.
One should always have a control on his tongue at the workplace. Speak relevant and don’t always find fault in others. Listen to what the other person has to say. Everyone’s opinion is important. One should learn to own his responsibilities.
It is essential to trust your colleagues. Your fellow worker might confide something in you, but that really does not mean you will walk up to your boss and disclose all his secrets. If you can’t help anyone, you have no rights to harm him even. One should remember that eventually it is trust and human relationships which help in the long run. Your colleague can even be your best friend. If one really has the potential, his efforts never go unnoticed. Remember there is no short cut to success.
Manipulating information to mislead superior also leads to politics at the workplace. One should pass on information in its desired form.
Politics also arises when employees are indulged in unnecessary gossips. Leg pulling, criticism, backstabbing, hatred lead to politics. A jealous employee would never want his fellow workers to do well.
Article Written by
Himanshu Juneja, the founder of Management Study Guide (MSG), is a commerce graduate from Delhi University and an MBA holder from the esteemed Institute of Management Technology (IMT). He has always been someone deeply rooted in academic excellence and driven by a relentless desire to create value. Recently, he was honored with the “Most Aspiring Entrepreneur and Management Coach of 2025 (Blindwink Awards 2025)” award, a testament to his hard work, vision, and the value MSG continues to deliver to the global community.
Article Written by
Himanshu Juneja, the founder of Management Study Guide (MSG), is a commerce graduate from Delhi University and an MBA holder from the esteemed Institute of Management Technology (IMT). He has always been someone deeply rooted in academic excellence and driven by a relentless desire to create value. Recently, he was honored with the “Most Aspiring Entrepreneur and Management Coach of 2025 (Blindwink Awards 2025)” award, a testament to his hard work, vision, and the value MSG continues to deliver to the global community.
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Toxic Workplaces, the Harm they do, and how Organizations can Avoid Becoming One
April 3, 2025
