You might have been lucky to be mentored by someone who knew the inner operations of the workforce and taught you how to succeed in working with others however, for most people, they find out the hard way through experience.

Office politics are usually blamed for those who have been caught in the middle of problems at work. Misreading the important role politics play could be hurting your career, and you could sabotage your success by stepping on the toes of those around you.

The notion that office politics can influence your career is unnerving especially for people who want no part of it and lack the necessary skills involved to succeed. Truth is, office politics are unavoidable and the longer you try to hold out as an observer rather than fully understanding the concept, the more your career could suffer.

While political actions tend to get bad raps with people who envision it as an insincere way to get others to agree and support their point of view, it’s unlikely that politics will go away. If you want to succeed in any organization it requires a different perspective and an ability to change the way you view interactions.

In the workplace, the way you handle relationships and bring value to your employer will impact your career, all of which is influence by politics. Political principles involve relationships with people, how you get things done and meet the needs of your boss.

However influencing supporters can go both ways for the good as well as the selfish personal gain aspect that tarnishes politics at work.

Instead of running from office politics learn to use the power of persuasion to your advantage and of others in a positive way. Surprisingly, you don’t have to work in a large company to be exposed to politics — where two or more are gathered politics likely exist.

When you often think of politics you might see working large groups of people, meeting and greeting senior executives and putting on a good front when needed. The reality is politics happen during the daily events, the small insignificant exchanges that you might otherwise overlook as important such as the morning ritual of greeting co-workers and your boss.

Here are some ways office politics could hurt your career without you knowing it:

• Focusing on your own agenda instead of taking the time to acknowledge others and their contributions.

• Failing to get clear expectations from your boss and others around you. Always clarify how you can help your colleagues or customers succeed. You could spend enormous effort in moving in the wrong direction versus being on the same page towards accomplishing goals.

• Overlooking the need to make your boss look good. Even though you might not have chosen your boss to be the leader, a big part of your job is to support them in their efforts whenever possible.

• Not taking the time to recognize other’s success around you. While your contributions are important in order to build good relationships you will need to give credit to others. No one likes a boss or colleague who steals credit for someone else’s work.

• Avoid comparing the way things used to be versus the way they are now. Learn how to accept change in a positive way by supporting new initiatives.

• Denying conflicts exists. While most people like harmony, there will be times in your career when conflicts between coworkers will arise. Doing your best to resolve conflicts before they harden shows that everyone is responsible and no one is to blame.

• Avoid defensiveness when disagreements or mistakes occur. Instead send the perception you are there to learn and focus on the goals you share in common rather than the mistake. Pay attention to the solution, not the person or situation.

• Remaining distant when things don’t go your way. Always have some answers ready to share and contribute to the welfare of the company.

Even though office politics might not be your favorite aspect of your career it is something you will always face. Politics does not have to be negative, rather it’s how you intervene in the process of getting things done.

How has office politics hurt or helped your career? What did you learn?

