Office politics is messy and often destructive, how do you avoid it and keep your nose clean?
Company culture is often discussed at job interviews. HR Departments are keen to spruik how wonderful everyone is and how well they treat each other. It’s often a different situation when you get down and dirty in the trenches. They’re not liars as such, just misguided.
As a boss, I know not everyone will get along, and generally I like to utilise personality profiling to help each other understand why we are different and how we can make allowances so that we can get along harmoniously. But this is left field and not the norm, but the exception. Most offices flounder along with whispering, gossiping and backstabbing running rife. Long time employees rule the roost. Departmental rivalry runs deep.
How can we achieve a peaceful workplace?
Some companies used to try spending lots of dollars trying to create team harmony through retreats, workshops or love ins. This might work for your team, everyone likes to have a bit of money spent on them, but for the really harsh political cultures, this can create fodder for the strong to get stronger and the weak to be picked on. Modern times there is also a limit on funds available for such expensive solutions.
One common answer I always get when I ask how are you going to create harmony? We can have a team lunch regularly or morning teas. As if feeding people will change the way they think when they sit down at their desk again. Their belly might be full, but their brain is still stuck in office politics mode. It is a band-aid at best. Sharing a piece of cake might mean you have civility for a short while, but long term…good luck.
Moving people away from each other is another strategy I’ve seen employed when office politics gets out of control. With emails and messaging, it doesn’t matter where you sit.
None of these ideas have been ultra successful, I am on the hunt for complete cultural change.
Bullying cultures are toxic. It’s time to act and create change.
So, what is my advice if you work somewhere like this?
MENTORING..
It’s time to set up an internal mentoring program where everyone gets the opportunity to participate. It needs to be set up smartly so that everyone feels wanted as mentors or mentorees and give them the tools to make the relationship special and useful. Creating positive relationships and giving them a framework to meet and learn from each other is a unique way of giving to your staff. Everyone can do with some guidance, even those who’ve been there a long time.
If it is not possible to set up a mentoring program based on the size or structure of your company, encourage people to find their own mentor. Use 45 potential mentors to garner ideas as to who would be the perfect mentor for each individual. That way it will be personal to them. Staff members involved in mentoring programs gain confidence and are looking for self improvement.
Support and personal growth is the key.
Mentoring can change the culture if you let it.
What is your view on cultural change? Leave me a comment over on the blog.
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