From the course: Administrative Professional Tips

Office politics and gossip

From the course: Administrative Professional Tips

Office politics and gossip

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- Have you ever heard a conversation within your office that wasn't complimentary to one of your co-workers? Or witnessed the effects of office politics on the way a situation was handled? Or been the subject of talk that was circulating around your office? If you have worked in any office environment for any period of time, you have more than likely experienced office politics and gossip. You don't have to participate in it but you will find yourself surrounded by it in one way or another. How do we, as administrative support professionals, steer clear of this type of dynamic and keep ourselves insulated from it's effect? Is that even possible? I think that it definitely is possible and here's how to do so. I first try to maintain a healthy, positive energy in my office environment. I speak well of people and always try to turn a negative into a positive. As I have created this type of culture, I find that it is a protection against gossiping around me. This works the majority of the time. On the rare occasions where it does not, I am willing to confront the negativity and ask that we refrain from that kind of talk around me. If I am in a place outside of my own office environment, then I physically remove myself from the conversation when appropriate. Next, I do my best to treat people with dignity and respect, regardless of the title that they hold. Office politics are largely based on perceived power and one's relationship to the hierarchy in the organizational chart. I focus on the importance of everyone's contribution to the organization and the power of their voice. I also make it a point to really listen to people when they are talking and especially when they are dealing with a potentially harmful situation. I counsel them when they ask for it and assist wherever possible. As a person of influence in my office, I know that I have the ability to bring things to my executive's attention and they will be acted upon. I can often diffuse situations before they are out of hand or have a detrimental effect on morale in the office. My boss expects me to do this and understands, when I get her involved, it's a high-priority item. Unfortunately, office politics and gossip are inevitable and predictable within our workspaces. Although we can't control what other people say or do, we are always in control of our response to it. And we can choose to be champions in this area by creating a culture of positivity.

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