How does one manage human politics, whether social or in the workplace?

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   midget38posted 12 years ago

   How does one manage human politics, whether social or in the workplace?

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   tonymead60posted 12 years ago

   I think that it is a matter of confidence, and making sure you know what you are talking about, not just your own opinion. Listen, that is something so many people don't do they talk and then leave a gap for the other person but don't listen and then carry on without thought.

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      midget38posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Listening is important and knowing when to carry on or participate in a conversation will come naturally!! So agree.

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   khangeeeeposted 12 years ago

   its but natural that once more than two people are there ,there would be politics,but i have experienced that if you convince people that you could not be played easily (difficult part) and then be nice to every one   without leg pulling then its easy to servile ,be popular at the same time.Patience is the key as it is for hub pages to earn.....lighter part

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      midget38posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Patience and tact, khangeeee, indeed!

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   msorenssonposted 12 years ago

   Manage is too much work...it means "to make an effort"...but if you simply stay true to yourself then you do not have to "manage"...you simply "are"...

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      midget38posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's so true, Msorensson!

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   Doc Snowposted 12 years ago

   Unfortunately, my answer would have to be "not particularly well."
   
   Not giving pointless offense is always a good start, and the best tip there is to say less than you might, especially when the key word in what you are about to say is "you."
   
   But being inoffensive hardly makes one a master politician.  Reading what people are thinking and planning is necessary, and so is adapting your actions to influence them.  And at those things, my advice is not worth your while, I'm afraid. :-(

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      midget38posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      My husband always has a rule about  thinking for a minute before speaking - it usually works for him. It's always so important!

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   Attikosposted 12 years ago

   In settings not dedicated to the theme, just avoid discussing politics or religion. It's not difficult to do. Plead ignorance and disinterest, then change the subject.

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   LillyGrillzitposted 12 years ago

   Managing people's political thinking on the job is an old trick.  At times leaders have managed whole societies into silent slavery or worse, but it is impossible to keep the Human spirit down . read more

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   Tom Rubenoffposted 12 years ago

   Once you have learned to consistently treat yourself with love, tolerance and forgiveness, you will be ready to interact with others on that basis. You will know the good feeling of being forgiven and praised and you will want to share these wonderful feelings with others. read more

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   prasadjainposted 12 years ago

   It is a matter of intelligent management. If the person with whom you are conversing is open-minded,unbiased, then frankly discuss with him/her what you think about the topic. If you find he is an extravert or introvert, then, don't waste time and mood by trying to convince him.Just stay aloof showing disinterest.

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      midget38posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It is important to size a person up, yes!

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    secularist10posted 12 years ago

    I would say, remain calm, remember your priorities, stay true to your principles and what is most important to you, and acknowledge that you cannot change people most of the time. Accept people's flaws and weaknesses, as well as their strengths. The best you can do is to stand up for what you believe in, or what is important, and let the chips fall where they may.
    
    I've managed literally hundreds of people over the years. At work, as a manager, your main goal is to get things done. Getting caught up in personal politics, gossip, who said what, what did that person really mean, etc, is extremely counterproductive.
    
    Leave that stuff for the soap operas and reality TV.
    
    My approach is to have a clear head and open mind, treat everyone with respect and courtesy, communicate as much as possible, and to focus on getting the tasks done that need to get done. That's what gives me results.

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       midget38posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       THat's too true. Most of the time people don't focus on tasks - they just focus on grumbling and gossip and that's where trouble begins indeed.

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    RebuildingJobsposted 12 years ago

    Sometimes people are unaware that their opinions or free thoughts are political or social in nature. People just randomly speak from what they think. For instance, once, we were talking about work ethics and morals in the hall. One person said a person who has good morals and ethics must have grown up with some sort of commitment to God. Another person who came from a different country, said he didn't grow up with a religious background and asked whether or not we thought he was moral and had good ethics. We all agreed that person did have good morals and good ethics. (Still behavior and appearance can't always be 100% indicators of a person with good morals and ethics.) It is amazing how solcial and political conversations just randomly make their way into the workplace, and we just have to know when it is appropriate to enter into such conversations. It is always good to know if the employer has any guideline in regards to the discourse on business premises. Good question.

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       midget38posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Saying the right thing at the right time is most difficult indeed!

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    Admiral Murrahposted 12 years ago

    A review of the challenges involved in handling political discussions in social and workplace settings. read more

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    Ann1Az2posted 12 years ago

    The best way to avoid any kind of politics in the workplace is to avoid gossip. That's usually the way it all starts. Walk away, change the subject, or get deeper in it. Those are usually the choices we have.

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       midget38posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       That makes complete sense, Ann! Thanks for sharing!

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