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Do you often find yourself at a cross-road between two groups in office? When you enter into a conversation with your colleagues, most of the time it is either back-biting or finding faults with others. And by the end of it, you just feel lost and unhappy.
If this is what happens to you, then you are also a victim of office politics.

It is differing values, ideas and cultures in interpersonal relationships, which often breed politics in office. The worst part is when it leads to a hostile environment and a feeling of enmity. But the ground truth is that office politics simply cannot be avoided. However, you can certainly navigate your way out of this maze with minimal side effects. To do so, you need to: -

Stay Neutral

Experts say the best way to deal with it is to stay neutral. Avoid close association with numerous camps, which might be at work in the entire organizational matrix. Mix with all groups but be sure not to be labeled as a member of any camp.

No Gossips, Please!

Apart from the fact that gossips consume a lot of your productive time, whatever information you might share then might be used against you in the future. Don't entertain talks, which are often complaints. Being silent and listening to such gossip can be easily misinterpreted; get the message right across that you are not interested to talk on such issues. Talk about neutral issues like sports, weather, film, music or whatever interests you.

Be a Transparent Team Player

Whatever you do, be transparent as much as possible. Don't pass on someone else's work or ideas as your own and take credit for it. If you are a team leader, share credit in times of success and take responsibility in times where there is a crisis. This will help you to earn a lot of respect amongst peers and juniors. Treat all co-workers with respect, listen to them and value their contributions.

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* Rabia Dhody is MBA from University of Pune, and is currently working as HR Manager with Reliance Capital - Life Insurance Division.