Navigating Office Politics: A Guide To The 10 Types Of Players

Meet your players.

As a manager, navigating office politics is an essential skill.

Understanding the various types of office management politics players can help you identify and handle potential challenges effectively.

Here are ten types of office politics players you should be aware of:

1. The Power Seeker:
   A hunger for authority and control drives this individual. They often manipulate situations and people to increase their power within the organization. Beware of their attempts to undermine your authority or position for their gain.
2. The Information Hoarder:
   Information is power, and this player understands that well. They withhold vital information from others to gain an advantage or to remain indispensable. As a manager, ensure you promote a culture of transparency and open communication to counter this behavior.
3. The Sycophant:
   This person seeks favor with higher-ups and influential colleagues through excessive flattery and agreement. They may not offer honest opinions and can be detrimental to decision-making processes. Stay alert to their insincere behavior and encourage open discussions among your team.
4. The Gossip:
   Gossips thrive on spreading rumors and creating drama. They can disrupt team dynamics and erode trust. As a manager, discourage gossip and address it promptly when it occurs to maintain a healthy work environment.
5. The Saboteur:
   The saboteur intentionally undermines projects, colleagues, or you as the manager to create chaos and seize opportunities for personal gain. Keep a close eye on any patterns of behavior that suggest sabotage and address them firmly.
6. The Credit Thief:
   These players take credit for others’ work and ideas, leaving their colleagues feeling unappreciated and demotivated. Encourage a culture of recognition and ensure that credit is given where it’s due.
7. The Silent Manipulator:
   Silent manipulators operate behind the scenes, subtly influencing decisions and conversations without drawing attention to themselves. Be vigilant about the dynamics within your team and foster an open atmosphere where everyone’s contributions are valued.
8. The Constant Complainer:
   Complainers are quick to point out problems without offering constructive solutions. Their negative attitude can be contagious and detrimental to team morale. Please encourage them to present their concerns and potential solutions constructively.
9. The Boundary Pusher:
   These individuals test the limits of acceptable behavior and often get away with it. They may engage in subtle rule-breaking or push the boundaries of ethical conduct. As a manager, enforce clear policies and address any violations promptly.
10. The Gatekeeper:
    Gatekeepers control access to important resources or information and use it to manipulate others or foster a sense of dependence. To break down these barriers and promote teamwork, encourage collaboration and the sharing of knowledge.

Tips for Managing Office Politics:

1. Lead by Example:
   Model the behavior you want to see in your team, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and collaboration.
2. Promote Open Communication:
   Encourage open communication and constructive feedback so employees feel comfortable discussing concerns and issues.
3. Address Issues Proactively:
   Don’t ignore office politics or let them fester. Address problems promptly and fairly to prevent them from escalating.
4. Set Clear Expectations:
   Stay calm and establish clear expectations and guidelines for behavior, ensuring everyone understands what is and isn’t acceptable.
5. Focus on Team Building:
   Invest in team-building activities to strengthen relationships and foster a positive work environment.
6. Recognize and Reward:
   Acknowledge and reward employees’ achievements and contributions, promoting a culture of appreciation.
7. Seek Guidance:
   If you encounter complex office politics issues, seek advice from mentors or senior leaders with experience navigating such situations.

Remember, being aware of office politics players is not about becoming overly suspicious of your team members but understanding potential challenges and maintaining a healthy work environment.

You can foster a positive and productive workplace for your team by staying alert and handling office politics tactfully.

Catherine Fitzgerald B.A. M.A. PGDip( Founder )

With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.