Lack of leadership invites backstabbing, gossip, sabotage, game-playing, and foot-dragging. But, don’t expect a savior on a white horse to rescue you after you’ve been stabbed in the back.

 Responding:

Getting even with the person who made you look bad makes you look bad. Respond in ways that you would brag to mom about.

You look fearful, weak, vindictive, angry, and defensive when you respond negatively to negative office politics.

You lose if you can’t deal with office politics.

Judge your motives and behaviors by two questions. Does this intention reflect who I want to be? And, am I acting in the best interests of my organization?

Winning at office politics:

1. Don’t expect the boss to intervene. Most bosses let politics play out.
2. Don’t get involved in office turmoil.
3. Don’t share office gossip.
4. Don’t complain about colleagues. Use the “in the room” rule. Imagine the person you are talking…