How do I deal with office politics

How do I deal with sekretariat politics How do I deal with office politics?Posted August 27, 2013, by Career FAQs teamI work in PR in a very gossipy office with lots of office politics and dramas. I try elend to get involved, but the gossip and bitchiness are getting to me. Whats the best way to cope? Ann, 24 Some office environments are more prone to bitchiness and gossip than others and it seems to be more common in those that are female-dominated. Perhaps you need to think about if you want to stay working in this sort of environment though theres no guarantee you wont encounter this again elsewhere.Below are some approaches you could try when workplace politics get out of handDont get sucked in, and if someone tries to engage in gossip or bitchiness with you change the subjectLead by example be a role model of good office behaviour and dont participate. Stay focused on your job and try not to let it affect your work performance.Sometimes people really dont realise that their b ehaviour is inappropriate or is making someone else uncomfortable. You could try the direct approach with something like, I really dont feel comfortable talking about this person when theyre not here lets ask them when theyre back in the office.Dont give them anything to gossip about keep your private information private.If someone is gossiping about you, a surefire way to stop it is by addressing it head-on by saying something like, I heard you have been saying XX about me if you have any questions I really would appreciate you coming to me instead of talking about me to our colleagues.Try not to take it personally obviously they have too much time on their hands and not enough work to do. And their behaviour will only reflect on them, not you.Look at management are they a good role model or are they perpetuating the problem? Could you talk with your manager? A training session for all staff on appropriate office behaviour is one way of telling them that this sort of behaviour is not OK.For more information, Meredith Fullers book, Working with Mean Girls, provides current research and solutions for how you can identify and cope with bitchiness in the workplace. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchesoffice manager resumehow to ask for a day off last minuteasking for a pay risehow to deal with a difficult colleague at work bewerberinterview questionsecurities and finance dealer CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCareer FAQs teamRelated ArticlesBrowse moreCareer progressionHigh schoolYoung (over)achievers who make you feel crap ab out yourselfNothing can be more infuriating than someone younger than you achieving a lot more than you have. To get you in a good mood, Andrea lists seven youngsters who will make you question whether youre reaching your full potential.New IR laws for Australian workersThe Howard Governments controversial WorkChoices has been declared dead and buried by Labor who have replaced it with their Fair Work Bill.Career changeCAREER INSPIRATIONPost-sporting careers - game over or career makeover?When a sprinter is crossing the line first to claim Olympic gold or a League player is converting the winning try the last thing on their minds is what career they will pursue once their sporting prowess fades and the next generation steps in.