As recruiters, we often witness the damage that occurs when office politics creates problems for individuals, departments and companies. Political activities encourage hypocrisy, secrecy, deal making, rumors, power brokers, self-interests, image-building, self-promotion, and cliques — not a recipe for effective team work. For people starting in a new position, unfamiliar with the corporate culture and wanting to blend in with the new team, it can be helpful to remember the following points:

• Concentrate on building relationships, not on taking sides
• Avoid participating in gossip
• Find common ground with others, offering assistance
• Don’t discuss personal problems
• Selectively self-disclose
• Stay professional at all times
• Create win/win solutions.
• Keep the employer’s perspective in mind
• Be pleasant, laugh and smile
• Be natural