How do you navigate them?
Have you ever quit a job because of them?
Re: Workplace Politics
Your boss still being a d-bag? I try to stay away from workplace politics by minding my own business, not trying to gossip about other people, and keeping a low profile.
Re: Workplace Politics
One of the best ways to stay out of trouble...is not to get involved in gossip. If there is a group of coworkers who have a reputation of gossiping....then maintain a civil/professional distance. Just do your job....be polite/positive...and proactive. Avoid voicing negative opinions about coworkers (tempting..but not everyone keeps things to themselves).
***Calm yourself down before confronting someone about a concern. Be careful about what you put in writing (emails...notes)...even voice mail. It's evidence and can come back to haunt you.
Basically, consider your method of communication and its possible outcomes.....because you don't want to give anyone ammunition to use against you.The workplace is after all a competitive environment.
For your own protection....document/make copies of/save things that are important or that you feel might have the potential to show up at a later point. Cover your back.
Keep your personal and professional life separate. Humility is good....but to an extent...discussing your weak points can allow others to use them against you.
And here's one (a tough one) that that comes up as a frequent reminder for me: Give people the benefit of the doubt sometimes....we all have our bad days that prevent us from thinking/acting right. Easier said than done....but as in other situations....pick and choose your battles and let some things slide. Do your best...and realize that some factors are beyond your control...because worrying about them is pointless and will drive you insane.
Re: Workplace Politics
You can't escape it. The best way is to be good in the eyes of your Boss because he/ she is the one who calls the shots and if you are good in his/her books you job is safe.
Your boss still being a d-bag? I try to stay away from workplace politics by minding my own business, not trying to gossip about other people, and keeping a low profile.
Meh its gotten worse...
But this thread is for everyone else to talk about their problems.
Re: Workplace Politics
see what side is strong .. or .. in what side you can make your impression so that after a while you become the “key” person of that side .. then play along .. 
.. 
.. works for me ..
Re: Workplace Politics
I HATE IT!!!
The worse place ever for work place politics for me was the UAE!!! It drove me bloody nuts 
For 1st 2 years…I ignored it..and stayed out of it…till they started walking all over one of my best friends…and I realised that they would ALWAYS walk all over ppl who worked hard..while the lazy SOBs got all the praise for doing SH*T!!!
After that I was known as a rebel..I didn’t give a damn…I knew they needed me…coz they could 100% depend on me to do my job properly and they knew that I would not leave the job they give me half done.
I still remember the day I gave my resignation in…gosh I was soooooooooo happy that I could tell them to GO TO HELL…and no I dnt need you to do anything for me..and nothing you would do or offer me would keep me in this hell hole 
I remember one of the manager’s asked me why I was leaving?
I said “R u kidding me…u know why I am leaving!!!” but he still insisted…so I said “I am leaving coz I want to stop myself frm becoming a total utter B*tch..coz if I saty here any longer I AM gonna end up slapping some1”
Re: Workplace Politics
I hate politics in working environment I have been a victim of this working politics after some learning what I do is I always put my resignation in my pocket when ever boss crossing there limits I put resign on his table.
Re: Workplace Politics
Sleep with the boss that will solve all gossip problems and office politics :p
But seriously, welcome to real life. One thing me and my friends lament. We all wish college could have lasted another decade or so. You can not avoid office politics so you have to be hyper vigilant to stay away from all of it.
I just stay quiet. Its pointless they (usually goray) will not understand your POV. I did have a discussion a few times, leads to nowhere. So when they bring up things, I just walk away from it.
And sometimes it happens that it can lead to name calling and labeling, and then you really have to put them in the place.
Re: Workplace Politics
Ah classic Wolverine with the yellow and blue. You my friend have the coolest avatar on GS. Respect.
Re: Workplace Politics
I don’t get into any politics…workplace..family…gs…kuch bhi..i hate politics in any form 
How do you navigate them?
Have you ever quit a job because of them?
Part of Life
Decision are Always Your
My Advice : " If You are doing a job Do it well , Don't Complain "
If you have guts to leave , go ahead.
its Your Call .
I pretend I have no clue who they're talking about.. it's always the same group giggling in the coffee-room and indulging in water-cooler gossip. These people will soon be talking about you too..
Re: Workplace Politics
^ BadNaam na hoon gaay tu kiya naam na ho ga . 
Naam kamanay ka aur KOI tareeqa nahin milla tumko :ASA:
Re: Workplace Politics
hahaha . . . but this one is the fastest , Isn't it . Means start a rumor today , and you'll be popular all over the office . Everyone will know you , and will start treating you differently :D
Re: Workplace Politics
very true it does work this way
Re: Workplace Politics
You often can't avoid it. Even if you don't want to get involved...if others on your team are gossipy or want to sabotage your career even though you mind your own business and have never done anything to them...they will.
Re: Workplace Politics
the ones i dislike are the coworkers that backbite about other coworkers, they are the ones to watch out for b/c if they mess up, their mouths would have the means to spread the blame onto somebody else in the office, those kinds of people freak me out and a person that works with a backbiter/gossiper like that needs to be really smart in handling all that politics and keeping their job.
i just got exposed to it for the first time on my first job and it can get ugly. a person just needs to do his/her job well and I just get away from it whenever the backbiters start their gossip sessions. i hate it