From Setbacks to Success

Navigating Office Politics

By Katrina McDowell on Aug 10, 2024 in News

Miscommunication is common in many workplaces and can negatively impact productivity and relationships. Let’s navigate office politics and miscommunications with these best practices and learn how to boost office morale by turning setbacks into success.

Common causes of miscommunication are lack of clarity in messages, assumptions, generational or cultural differences and ineffective listening. All of which will inevitably lead to negative office politics, potentially impacting workplace harmony and career progression. Ineffective workplace communication costs U.S. businesses $1.2 trillion—or $12,506 per employee annually, according to a report by Grammarly.

Improve communication skills by actively listening without interruptions, summarizing what the other person said, and asking clarifying questions. For instance, if unsure about a task, ask, “Could you clarify the deadline for this project?” Don’t be scared to ask questions because the more knowledge on the subject at hand, the better the outcome.

Always have clear and concise messages using straightforward language, avoiding jargon and always being specific. For example, many use Microsoft TEAMS or Google Slack to communicate with employees. Both are great programs that keep everyone on the same page. Remember, when messaging someone on one of those programs, do not lead with a simple hey and nothing attached. Most people are very busy and don’t have time for ineffective TEAMS/Slack messages. In the office, pay attention to nonverbal communication, such as body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. Sometimes it is not “what” the person said, but “how,” they said it. 

Regular feedback and check-ins with the team are not just essential. They are the lifeline to keeping a straightforward schedule and avoiding miscommunication. Schedule regular, one-on-one meetings to ensure alignment and address communication issues early. This proactive approach will prevent misunderstandings and foster a culture of open communication and mutual support.

Build positive and authentic relationships. Unfortunately, office politics is all too real. To navigate this, build positive and genuine connections with colleagues across different departments and levels. Stay professionally neutral, and avoid taking sides at all costs. Advocate for transparent decision-making processes and fair treatment of all employees.

Dorie Clark, professor of business administration and published author on LinkedIn, says, “Create goodwill with colleagues by adding value through small gestures, sending a congratulations note, inviting them to an event and assisting with social media. It’s not about lavishing someone with expensive gifts. It’s about knowing what they’d value and trying your best to make a gracious gesture.”

Be diplomatic in communication, especially in sensitive situations, to avoid unnecessary conflicts of interest. Clark noted, “When it comes to office politics, some may think you have to be a cutthroat operator, but really, it’s about forging real connections and creating space to be yourself and help others do the same.”

Zoom and video conferencing can sometimes make it hard to read the other person. However, according to the Forbes Human Resource Council, “Follow up after a meeting, ask more questions and give the benefit of the doubt. Everyone is going through their own set of challenges, so exert your kindness muscle. If you’ve seen some unusual office politics, take the high road. You want to be remembered as someone who leads with integrity.” By handling office politics with integrity, individuals will have respect and will focus on their professional growth and contributions.

Boost office morale. Foster an environment where all employees feel valued and included. Encourage work-life balance with flexible work hours, remote options, and respect for personal time. Provide a healthy, comfortable work environment with amenities like ergonomic furniture, healthy snacks, and wellness programs. Organize some team-building activities to encourage teamwork and build strong relationships. For instance, since the Summer Olympics has kicked off, enjoy a week of office Olympics with physical and mental activities and host a small opening/closing ceremony—craft awards and medals unique to the office with the company’s logo. The Games will be sure to improve collaboration and promote unity.

Mistakes happen. After all, we are only human! However, with a growth mindset, we can view these mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. Acknowledge and admit a mistake early and take responsibility to build trust and respect amongst colleagues. Create a step-by-step plan to fix the error and communicate to all affected parties. Analyze the root cause of what went wrong and how to prevent it in the future. Implement changes to avoid a similar mistake, such as additional training or revising procedures. Remember, what resists will persist, so recognize the error and move on. With this mindset, turn every setback into a stepping stone towards success.

So, focus on a bright workplace future full of positivity and gratitude!