Whenever you start a new job, you have to navigate office politics. While office politics can seem scary, it really isn't that difficult to master. All you need to do is pay attention to people's behavior and do your best to avoid acting like a jerk. This FAQ can help you with the finer points of getting along with your new coworkers:
How can I figure out whom to talk to and whom to avoid?
Easy: Try to meet everyone. Just go into the office thinking like an anthropologist. Watch everyone's behavior to gather information about the overall office culture. By paying careful attention, you'll discover the leaders, the followers and everyone in between fairly quickly.
No one except the boss likes a kiss-up. What can I do to be nice but not seem like an apple-polisher?
Listen to what everyone is saying. A true apple polisher listens only to the boss, but, if you take pains to get plenty of feedback and make decisions on your own, you're more likely to be seen as an independent thinker.
Follow through on your promises. If you say you are going to do something, do it, and finish the job, or figure out a way to finish it. You will earn far more respect that way than through flattery.
Be respectful of everyone's time. Rescheduling meetings leaves everyone confused and annoyed. For example, when you schedule a meeting, think long and hard about whether or not you can attend.
What behaviors should I avoid?
Do not cry wolf. Running around and pulling your hair out at the slightest problem raises everyone's stress level. If everything is a disaster, then no one will be able to focus on the real problems.
Keep emotions out of it. Crying, shouting or lashing out can be satisfying, but people may wonder how well you will hold up if the company enters a true crisis situation. Whenever someone comes at you in an emotional state, you are doing her a career favor by telling her to calm down, take a breath and talk to you later.
Do not write anything down when you are angry. Once you put your anger in writing, it never goes away. It can also be forwarded to your supervisor or used as evidence against you.
What if I feel like I'm being taken advantage of?
There is a tremendous difference between being nice and being a doormat. A nice person has the respect of the entire office, and a doormat does not. Helping someone else out occasionally by staying late builds good karma, but you should say "no" if you find that you are neglecting your own work goals in favor of someone else's.
What about negative people?
You know these people. They snap at others and fly off the handle without thinking. Steer clear. If your workplace is big enough, you can make alliances with others who work hard and are pleasant to be around. Perhaps your office's resident nattering nabob of negativism will get the hint if she isn't picked for the big projects.
In a small office, negativity is tougher to avoid, especially if your boss is the problem. Keep strengthening alliances with those coworkers you like. Find mentors you can work with who aren't your boss. They can serve as references once you start looking for the exits.
What if I feel like I am compromising my values?
Take a good look at your own ethical code. If your day-to-day work goes against your beliefs, it is time to look for a new job. Your ethical code should always come first.
You aren't being cynical or manipulative just by being nice to others in the workplace. You are simply making your life-not to mention the lives of your coworkers-easier.
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