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
