How to handle politics at workplace?

Whatever industry you are working in, politics are a common challenge nowadays. Especially in a team based environment such as Scrum, politics influence team’s relationship, trust, transparency and productivity negatively. As a  Scrum Master, handling politics at the workplace can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can employ to navigate these situations effectively:

1. Focus on your work: Keep your primary focus on your job responsibilities and performing them to the best of your ability. By demonstrating your competence and dedication, you can build credibility and minimize the impact of office politics on your career.
2. Stay neutral: Avoid taking sides or getting involved in office gossip and rumors. Refrain from participating in discussions about colleagues or superiors that could be perceived as divisive or unprofessional.
3. Build positive relationships: Cultivate positive relationships with your colleagues and superiors based on mutual respect and trust. Be courteous, supportive, and collaborative in your interactions, regardless of any underlying political dynamics.
4. Communicate openly: Maintain open and transparent communication with your coworkers and supervisors. Address any concerns or conflicts directly and professionally, seeking resolution through constructive dialogue rather than resorting to office politics.
5. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your personal and professional life, avoiding getting too deeply involved in office politics or drama. Focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance to preserve your well-being and productivity.
6. Stay informed: Stay informed about organizational changes, developments, and dynamics within your workplace. Understanding the broader context can help you anticipate potential political challenges and navigate them more effectively.
7. Seek mentorship: Identify trusted mentors or advisors within your organization who can offer guidance and support in navigating office politics. Learn from their experiences and insights to develop your own strategies for success.
8. Lead by example: Lead by example by demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behavior in all your interactions. By setting a positive example for others to follow, you can help foster a more respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
9. Focus on common goals: Keep your focus on the shared goals and objectives of your team or organization. Emphasize collaboration and teamwork to achieve collective success, rather than allowing office politics to detract from overall productivity and effectiveness.
10. Know when to escalate: If you encounter situations of unethical behavior or misconduct, be prepared to escalate them to appropriate channels within your organization, such as HR or senior management. Document any relevant incidents or evidence to support your concerns.
11. Consensus driven decisions: When decisions are made without involving all the people, it might lead to politics and groupism eventually. Documenting important decisions also will help people to be aware of the conversations and decisions. So if you involve all the members of the team and encourage them to come up with consensus driven decisions, politics can be reduced.
12. Communicate effectively: Be transparent and open in your communication with colleagues. Clarify expectations, address misunderstandings promptly, and avoid gossip or spreading rumors.
13. Focus on Solutions: Instead of getting caught up in gossip or negative conversations, focus on finding solutions to problems and contributing positively to the workplace.

By employing these strategies, you can effectively navigate office politics and maintain a positive and productive work environment. Remember to prioritize professionalism, integrity, and collaboration in all your interactions, and focus on achieving your goals despite any political challenges that may arise. For more tips and tactics about Scrum Master role join our CSM online training and A-CSM online training.