Workplace politics

[lsv]

Who cares? People are a bunch of petty twats. People are gonna dislike you regardless of what you do. Do your job right, be nice to your coworkers, and stay away from politics. That might not get you rich, but it'll preserve your sanity.

Exactly this. I only talk to my team leader and direct supervisors. Everyone else is a sidechain to my career longevity. I don't want to get rich but I want to make enough money and have the stability to start a family later on.

 

[preslove]

srsly, bring motherfucking doughnuts. nothing smooths over tension like free fattening food. Some people may still remain pissed off at you, but you will win enough other people to your side that it won't matter.

 

[Whisper]

It's entirely possible that the OP is a more level-headed guy than his co-workers. If that's the case it doesn't matter what offends him, what matters is what offends the crazies. Don't get me wrong, putting yourself in their perspective is a good idea, but some people are definitely less sane than others.

Agreed, that's always a possibility, hence the "if that does upset them, does it seem like a reasonable response" question. If they're going to become upset because someone else is praised, personally I'd find that response to be pretty unreasonable. Given that many of those situations are beyond your power (or interest) to change, there's little use getting upset over them.

 

[BTA]

I agree with bring donuts.

 

[mrCide]

Shrug, if they give you issues take it to HR. People will always be like that anywhere you go. Some people hate their supervisor and when they have a co-worker who gets along with them and/or gets complimented for their work, that also causes tension. Just ignore it.

 

[darkxshade]

Productivity has a diminishing rate of return so work 4 more years and GTFO before the boss wails on you and give props to the newer guy.

 

[PricklyPete]

Don't gloat. Joke around that he must be mistaking you for someone else. Office politics suck.

 

[preslove]

Productivity has a diminishing rate of return so work 4 more years and GTFO before the boss wails on you and give props to the newer guy.

This + donuts.

 

[Phoenix86]

*Wailed
*Bode

A boss gave you props and you're worrying if everyone else is going to hate you??? How old are you???

Uhh, how new to office politics are you? This is a very relevant question. Outperforming can have several negative consequences depending on the environment.

Be an high level performer in a union job and have a grievance filed against you.
Do too much work an watch your co-workers get let go because there's "not enough work anymore". You can work yourself out of a job.
On the easier side of things you'll be "that guy" in the group. Welcome to the outside of the group.

There's a lot of potential issues. Of course having leadership recognize you helps with these issues but it doesn't always protect you.

 

[Phoenix86]

Acknowledge what happened, show that you recognize it was basically luck of the draw, and build an empathetic connection by indicating that you expect to be in their shoes sometime in the future.

My theory is to stay the hell out of it. If someone compliments your work, thank them but don't make it a big deal. If one of your teammates brings up something positive that your boss said about you in a teasing way, play it off.

DON'T PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE POLITICS.

Excellent advice.

lol@ bringing donuts. How the fuck is the answer to being a kiss-ass bringing donuts?!?

 

[Saint Nick]

here, you might need these.

In case he has to start sucking a lot of cock, right?

 

[cronos]

Bring doughnuts.

and then cut them to pieces?

 

[PsiStar]

Just stay friendly & especially focus on doing a good job. Anytime there are 2 or more people together there will be politics. It is in our genes.