How To Master The Art Of Office Politics

By Perminus Wainaina

A while back, I received an email from Risper, who works as a human resource manager in a marketing company.

Risper was concerned that since the new HR Assistant – Mary, joined the organization, she had been left out of every important decision.

Risper wrote, “Mary joined the firm six months ago. Immediately she joined, she made friends with everybody –even my boss, who I only talk to once in a while.

After her probation period was over, she was given a two-year contract (I was given one when I joined). Now, it feels like she’s taking over my job. The boss and managerial staff talk to her before they include me in the discussions.

This week, we employed a few more people, and I had little input in the matter.

Even after they joined, it’s Mary who handled the onboarding process.

I’m afraid Mary is slowly taking over my job.”

What Risper is going through is something most professionals have experienced, in the form of office politics – where employees undermine and even backstab other employees with the hopes of getting ahead in their career.

Office politics is something that can either work to your advantage or disadvantage. Although it is hard to admit it, there is a lot more that goes into being successful at work, than merely being good at the tasks you are assigned.

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