5 Easy Rules to Play Office Politics and WIN

[@JamesJones-kb2tw]

Another rule someone taught me was never to treat things personally. It’s also why it is important to have a life outside of work. That way you have a much more balanced perspective on all the shenanigans.

[@ashleeskhan]

This is very true.

[@rickeymcclaryjr.2350]

Too true. The only reason I’m able to survive my workplace .

[@maybritt6457]

Such a cop out. The truth is those interactions are more personal than you think. I was targeted so many years being the ‘nice’ person. Everyone expected me to do double the work. This would not have happened to others. The treatment was specific to me.

[@kleberson777]

This ! it is my mistake for almost 10 year and I regret it. Involve your feeling and being too personal into office work will not bode well for your career

[@DarkbutNotsinister]

It becomes a problem when your work IS personal, it’s your identity. I wish I could separate the 2 & not take things personally.

[@rubycubez1103]

The reputation point! I worked extremely hard and was helpful at my old job. I made the mistake of going out drinking with a former coworker who was still good friends with current employees. I got sloppy when I partied that night. The person went back and told one of the worst gossips in the office. The weird stares, murmers and insults disguised as jokes lasted until I resigned recently. These ppl didn't know me outside of work but created a whole backstory based on a random night out. No matter how friendly and helpful I was to them, no matter how hard I worked, they still all treated me weird. Lesson learned. No nights out with coworkers!!!!

[@bmw803]

And this is why middle managers are fighting the work from home evolution.

[@cocoblac]

@@bmw803 Middle Managers are surplus to requirement wireless networks is their replacement.

[@bmw803]

@@cocoblac Fuckin right bro. They can resist all they want, but their jobs are becoming obsolete.

[@cocoblac]

@@bmw803 love ya

[@florencia2771]

Have you considered that the night out was actually a blessing? Attacking another human because they had some fun is just ridiculous. I think for you getting out of that place was the best for you. The group is dysfunctional.

[@rvs0875]

I'm living through this hell right now. But I'm trying to learn to survive from one of my coworkers. He's been with the company for more than 30 years. He never engages in gossiping, never sits in the breakroom. He's always very polite to everybody but never really talks to anybody. I've never seen him being frustrated or mad.

[@Hllee6428]

Probably vents it all to his fam members. Lol. I m curious about this veteran's career progression though, did he get promoted easily over those 30 years?

[@rvs0875]

@Hllee6428 He was promoted to management, but then he stepped down. I guess he's happy where he is now.

[@kimjongun7790]

how did this guy manage it ? Please shar some insights

[@rvs0875]

@kimjongun7790 I don't really know him that well, but from what I can see, his acting like a robot (no emotions, minimum contacts with coworkers, no complaints) really works.

[@kimjongun7790]

@@rvs0875 wow ,he's lucky af .Most places he would be targeted for such behaviour

[@unicornishcornish]

Not gonna play the office politics, I accept my losing position in the corporate world. Building strategic relationships, creating alliances - this is some stuff of horrors for an introvert. I just want to do a good job, ideally in silence, away from people, learn a few things along the way and get my paycheck every month.

[@ryanfresh8521]

Same here. I’m going through it right now. And it’s burning me out and I’m an introvert with only two “friends”(Actual real life social friends) from my workplace. I’m allergic to politics as an introvert too

[@op8995]

@@ryanfresh8521 you mean you're allergic to bullsh*t people?

[@ryunz9639]

Same on the introvert and hating politics part, but honestly I think it hurts you to avoid playing entirely

[@unicornishcornish]

@@ryunz9639 depends what you mean. I don't totally avoid interactions with colleagues. I talk to them, even about things unrelated to work 😉 But only when it feels genuine which is too infrequent to build any relationships. Forcing myself to do more doesn't work anyway, I tried, it felt wrong to everyone involved 😅

[@YoungE591]

Agree.

[@WD40318]

Worrying about "office politics" or even playing the game is for people without a backbone. This is who I am and this is how I roll. You don't like me? Then you don't need me. Disgusting how people kiss ass and let "superiors" walk on them. I'd rather walk out with my backbone and my pride than play a pretentious game of what you can and can't say.

[@elenagavrilova3109]

I do not think, it is about kissing .., but about common sense, frames and sub ordination all that leads to cooperation, anyways 'defeat' someone at the office sounds a bit, you know this modern word 'toxic', it is not a good start for employee / good place to work if Boss behaves like that. There is also a difference between leader and boss.

[@dangerousangel777]

I wholeheartedly agree. At my last position there were narcissists and people who couldn't ever "be wrong". So I adopted that pos mentality and put it back on them. From the second they knew that I knew what I was doing they began to attack me and drag me down for anything that was "incorrect". I was like, yeah okay, fine then, then I will never admit I'm wrong. There was a point 3 of them all came at me at once hounding me for a report that wasn't produced because it was a fucking holiday. After this, they came at me and attacked me in group chat at any opportunity they got just to make sure that they were right and I was wrong. Lol. They wanted to bring me down and drag me because they knew I was next in line to excel and I was planning on following through too. Eventually they reallllly messed up... They made the mistake of trying to micromanage me. I'm a mathematician, data analyst, and programmer. They don't even know how to define a variable. You know that was never going to slide. So I left. Problem solved.

[@essgee4225]

Once the boss and management see that you understand their bullshit politics they do anything you drag you down to keep you from exposing them and to make themselves feel better about their sad corporate lives

[@aa1589]

I operate exactly the same way. The people you really want to impress are smart and can smell fakeness and undeserved entitlement a mile away.

[@darkvalue505]

@@aa1589 Exactly. You will be amazed how many bosses hate getting their a** kissed because they know everyone else wants something from them.

[@candymax2065]

I agree to some extent to the first rule. Sometimes you will play nice and make your boss look good, but their ego is so inflated they will always say to others they did all the work. So no promotions and no recognition for you. SOmetimes a bad boss is a bad boss and you need to remove yourself. It might seem like a losing situation, but a narcisist will always be a desease and it will just cause you pain the longer you stay.

[@johnnaplunkett8695]

Yup, I went through this. Made my boss look good. She took all the credit and didn’t acknowledge all my work and effort in my review. 😵‍💫 over it

[@lokimsjrrd3451]

Yes, give your hated boss what they want-more power-so they can easily oust you from your position. This has occurred more frequently than not. The greatest strategy is to avoid giving your boss a reason to fire you. Do your work well and without error, but avoid breaking your back for a boss who doesn't like you. This will just make them think that you are even more foolish than they already thought. Learn the regulations of your workplace, read your contract, only do what you are hired to do, do it flawlessly, and watch your boss spiral into frustration at not being able to kick you. They may attempt to make your life miserable through subtle bullying, but they always face the risk of facing legal action. In the end, the workplace is a mess as it stands. Since most people got where they are due to politics rather than being good at their jobs, politics has totally taken over the working environment and is uncontrollable.

[@Mac-pluto]

If your the only one who has issues with your boss, you are likely the problem. Another rule they forgot to mention. You don’t have to like your boss but they have to like you. As long as they do you’ll never have to worry about being ousted from a job.

[@danielkipchumba2075]

I support this 100 percent.

[@RandalfElVikingo]

​@@Mac-plutoYou have a Joker pfp, yet you came with the most brown nosing comment I have ever read.

[@misterzzz9895]

100% True. Anyone who disagrees is just plain dumb or stupid.

[@jodyramsay8472]

Very true. This approach has saved me

[@Adam_harrison666]

You could play the corporate game by employing the tactics you’ve mentioned, be fake, get ahead etc But at what cost?… employing the mindset you suggest will, over time, empty you of all human qualities like empathy, compassion, authenticity & trust… and it only gets more political the higher you climb While I agree that your tactics will probably work, I’d rather die with my integrity, morals & soul intact

[@eggegg8181]

Agreed, that’s exactly how I feel. I don’t believe in doing any of these things. If that means everyone else will get ahead and I’ll be left behind, so be it

[@outdoorminer5533]

This is just helping perpetuate an abusive work environment. Is it real? Yeah, probably. Doesn’t mean it’s good or that it should be perpetuated or respected. Treat workers with dignity. I came to give my work. Not my soul. I don’t have to give my soul for a measly salary.

[@TheDoctor1225]

BRAVO. WELL said, and kudos to you.

[@fo7743]

Me too! I won't sell my soul to get ahead at work, integrity over promotions, any day, anytime.

[@PerrySkyePhoenix]

Same here! But I have to work at not feeling like a slave at the end of the day.

[@davemartin5735]

I can't stand workplace politics. They gossip, rumors, throwing under the bus, etc etc. I've found that a way to deal with work in general or people in general is to understand who you are and what you are about and don't break from that. If you are honest, hard working, reliable, know the job, avoid drama, whatever it is, don't waiver from that. Over time it will be noticed. I'm not a believer that great workers or bosses are losers in their personal life when the workday is over. Similarly, I don't believe bad workers and bosses are superstars once the workday is over. Your energy is your energy 24/7. What i'm suggesting is being true to self whether at work or after work. Keep that same positive energy. Don't let workers or bosses dictate what games you are going to play. If i'm productive at work there is a good chance that I will be productive after work. If i'm a drama queen at work chances are i'm going to be a drama queen after work etc.

[@PerrySkyePhoenix]

I'm so tired and mentally/emotionally drained after work... what a waste of time and energy... It's not worth it. Life is short.

[@priscoviasichone3293]

It's been 3years being on the wrong side of my boss. Working in such an environment has been a nightmare for me. Most days I don't feel like going to work cause it's like I am in prison with no voice

[@ricoender8020]

Been their.

[@momovalltradesdiy]

How did you get your self out?

[@uvw7450]

@@momovalltradesdiy I just quit - better to quit, live low on funds and work towards a better life than be a damn prisoner

[@PerrySkyePhoenix]

Welcome to my world... Nearly 15 years...

[@BOSSDONMAN]

So grateful to work from home and reduce the amount of mind numbing bullshit politics I have to deal with.

[@Chris-tg3qy]

You are exactly right. I got on the wrong side of a boss years ago when I was young and naive. I stayed with the organization and It took years to recover from her opinions about me. Fortunately, I left the area and got a fresh start, but I would have handled things completely different today and in hindsight, it would have been easier to leave the organization. Get along with management and play nice with your team. It is the quickest and easiest way to promote and improve your situation. Maybe you were treated poorly but it may not have been intentional. I am not against raising legitimate concerns, but those should be rare.

[@JenniferBrick]

I'm with you Chris, especially on the part about poor treatment not always been intention. Sure there are jerks out there, but most people just lack self awareness.

[@zhenrongquay4124]

Good point Chris. But I'd always say, it really depends. We all have a choice, and you can always go to an environment that is so to say better. In the end, the trade off has to be in your favour. Yes, everywhere you go the same rules apply, but point is, if you were treated poorly, trust me , you gain nothing in a long run. We all have a choice to leave, you don't absolutely have to be somewhere.

[@Sy2023hk]

I'm totally oblivious to office politics, I just do what I do with honesty and faithfulness.

[@csstardew]

Same

[@randharrisx]

lol white privilege speaks

[@TrinaSafiya]

I am as well, and it always bites me in the end. 😞

[@malvin946]

Same , but just realised it's not worth it seeing incompetitive people get promoted

[@spikespiegel6561]

Same .. but now on my next job I'll try to engage in a positive politics.. just appreciate everything and everyone.. let's see if it works

[@user-vw4qc4fh6o]

IF your boss is THAT horrible, you need to leave!

[@jamescherry89]

No you need to run

[@BOSSDONMAN]

@@jamescherry89better to get terminated and get severance + unemployment

[@aartipatel1960]

This is very honest and hard to swallow ( cause it is so honest). Introverts like me have a hard time ingratiating ourselves, but also generally have a tendency to see discrepancies more than others. I wonder how we handle an extroverted, narcissistic manager who can twist words easily. Any thoughts on that would be so helpful :)

[@EpicDreamer_]

Results speak instead of us! That is happening to me! And I see how my boss is treating me: she is finding flaws in everything I do, where other managers applaud… I was even attacked because I was professional!(because I wasn’t being so communicative without leadership skills) just because I respect authority and don’t want to speak BS and rumor… definitely someone doesn’t want my progress! But my professional integrity is more important than the opinion of my boss , when my boss said “Perception is the truth”, like other people see me like a person who is not a leader and good team player. My reaction won’t be delivered! And I’m seriously looking forward to your new video about building a brand! Thanks for great advices Jenn!

[@sirbillypetteway8609]

Office politics always makes a work environment toxic. I didn't realize until watching your videos that people were taking my ideas of building revenue and that the toxic people around me at work and during school were stealing my strategies and taking all the credit.

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

_"The only way to win is not to play...while you keep looking for another opportunity elsewhere."_

[@jpsartre2685]

The first point is good. I was recently fired because my boss and I could not see eye to eye. I could've strategized a win-win for both of us but stopped caring about how I was perceived. Silver lining, got another job immediately afterwards with a raise.

[@digasultra9438]

That sound great! I'm happy for you. I'm kind of in the same boat

[@talisha5863]

Everything you said is spot on!👍🏽 But I do have to contest that sometimes it can be about you. Sometimes people can become fixated with you, especially if you're doing an unexpected good job and they are hell bent on tarnishing your reputation because they're genuinely enraged with jealousy, anger and disbelief. It can seriously get that twisted😩

[@WhiteMouse77]

Life is battlefield...not playground....get yourself a gun in any mean of its use....

[@jtruth129]

This is true.

[@cynthiaberesiri2253]

Very true

[@vigtable]

This happened to me

[@roberttackett7000]

You are 100% correct on the "You will not win against your boss" thing because they control history. Their version of events become the official version of events. Your dissenting opinion will be erased or discounted as the bitter misgivings of someone who was passed over. I mentioned that I had problems with 3 co-workers in 14 years. I talked about one of them recently. The other 2 happened to be my supervisor. I won the battle against the first horrid boss, because he was doing illegal stuff (long story) but then his protégé got promoted, made my life hell, ran me off the reservation, and used my old slot to hire her BFF's husband.

[@roberttackett7000]

You are also right about making your boss look good. I had a few bosses from hell in my life, but they were willing to overlook my shortcomings if I made them look good. A different way of looking at it is this: Your boss is evaluated based on criteria are tied to the overall success and support the mission of the broader organization. That's why the more senior leaders don't want to hear about your squabbles with your boss. There is an implicit understanding that part of your job is to support your boss, and that if you can't look past personal differences in the workplace, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. A lot of the time, this is true.

[@darkvalue505]

Yes and no. Do not tolerate disrespect period. There's a fine line. If you boss is harassing or embarrassing, you better stand up for yourself. And prepare to find a new job immediately and threaten to resign to show him that you will not be squandered. He may leave you alone for a while, and that's the time to make peace.

[@rakeshadhikari5556]

Most ironical thing about dealing with people is - Most people lack self awareness - that how their actions would impact others. And these people have very fragile ego - They expect you to treat them softly but at same time they would not refrain from spreading toxicity by bullying, doing favoritism etc etc. Even most of bosses are same.

[@mikki7522]

Strongly disagree with the first point. Making a bad boss look good means you're encouraging other people to "look up to" that kind of behavior. I've seen it many times. People boost the ego of a bad boss, and they continue to ruin everything and make it harder and harder to like them. If we all turned around and said no, they would have no employees and would go broke. We're soldiers over here, not some weak minded pushovers.

[@jordana145]

Absolutely. Encouraging a person with bad attributes, often makes them "lean in' even more. There are some jobs where you actually have to get real work done. Ego stroking will only get you so far.

[@TheDoctor1225]

I agree 100%. While I can understand not being aggressive or demeaning (you wouldn't be to anyone, really, I should think), enabling your boss to be a total and complete moron just so you can stroke their ego and get that promotion is called, simply, enabling. It's another form of you being a suck up, or being a doormat with a "me first" attitude. If you have a boss who can't handle feedback that's done in a decent manner, it's time to find another job.

[@Jadianbox]

Simply called brown nosing ( especially toxic bosses are not worth it).

[@Sezfluffy]

I have to agree 100. I have too much respect for myself and truth to do this

[@HL-ee9tr]

Totally agree. If we all say no to bad bosses, they will get their well deserved punishments and learn from their mistakes. If you can’t get promoted internally because your boss doesn’t like you, you can always get an external promotion. However, if we help bad bosses succeed, they will continue to rise in the corporate ladder and lead larger teams, consequently more people will suffer. We need to end this vicious cycle. If we have bad bosses, just leave. Don’t try to please them and play office politics.

[@CassiesPetParent]

This is why I chose entrepreneurship.

[@BlackMaleSpirituality]

Wouldn’t you say that there are politics working with your clients/customers?

[@hashiramsenju8811]

Lucky for you.

[@searchapostateprophetabdul2398]

@@BlackMaleSpirituality politics is everywhere, can't run away from it

[@ZetaCancri]

Me too, lol

[@Kelly00979]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂spot on

[@TaylorJohnson1]

I start at a Wealth Management firm tomorrow. Although I went through 4 interviews and everyone was so nice, I will be playing the game. Thanks for this.

[@fitzhugh2542]

I pretty much fail at all the things you've mentioned. I love the actual work that I do, but the politics are very demotivating. My level of productivity is a little bit above quiet quitting levels. Right now I just endure everything.

[@arunkutube]

This is gold, I wish I found your videos earlier. I learned these things so hard way, so many years wasted :(

[@davidellis5141]

Hi Jennifer 👋 - When you have a good reputation & are reliable you can sneak in a bad day without anyone really noticing. They will just assume you are caught up & prepping for the next challenge not slacking or clock watching.

[@JenniferBrick]

Totally agree, David! It's insulation!

[@NS-uq9st]

Loved all your ideas..for an employee its too mch hard work specially for people like me who are very direct. In this case I will prefer to Leave job and be self employed or be an entrepreneur.. If someone has to put so much of hard work and strategy why not work for own business.

[@RandomThought111]

exactly!

[@vacuumblink2300]

Right

[@PerrySkyePhoenix]

Good idea...

[@rickytikitavi4101]

I don't know. I work in an industry where the stakes are very high. Making mistakes could potentially cost people's lives. I feel like my bosses are creating an impossible working situation for everyone. They demand results which they know cannot be met without bending the rules, but as soon as someone makes a mistake due to being overworked and under immense pressure to meet their expectations, they turn around and play innocent, and they find a scapegoat to blame. Upper management never faces the consequences. I can't play along with that, so I write emails and I speak up at meetings, even if it makes my managers look bad. I don't care if it gets me fired. I can't let them get away with it.

[@Stress_._Free]

I’m glad they are people like this out there. Thank you

[@michaelarturo6864]

"What happens when people get scared? They get irrational". That's as true as it gets!

[@TheDoctor1225]

If the cost of being a part of office politics so that I can be everyone's friend, look good and "get that raise/promotion" is the sacrifice of my self esteem, ethics and principles, then you know what? I'll live without the promotion. There are more important things in life, by far, than status or money. For myself, I work in the medical field. There is NOTHING - not one thing - more important than the quality of my work because it directly impacts the life and well being of other human beings. Office politcs be hanged.

[@SongofaBeach2012]

I completely agree. I work in Healthcare as well and all I want is to be left alone to do my job which is helping to support my patients. My work is fulfilling but takes all my energy. I don't have any left to devote to playing the game of office politics and it saddens me that there are those who got into this field not to help change lives but for status, money and power.

[@rakeshadhikari5556]

True. Switching is better than this type of promotion by selling your soul.

[@lucybekker]

Definitely a harder one to swallow, definitely comes with a fundamental belief that you have to start from a place of kindness until they are openly toxic (not liking them is NOT the same as them being toxic 😂).

[@weronikaleszczynska6011]

We should not promote negative, toxic behaviour or support people to keep being like that... it's not only about winning. It is about HOW we compete that defines us. If I had to promote bullying to win, I would take a step back (which would be moving forward).

[@cassietherainbowsend722]

I couldn’t agree more. No way we should be encouraging this crappy behavior. This is ridiculous.

[@copbabycombo1311]

Then you lose. You're foolish.

[@SB-gq7fp]

@2:07 is gonna go over a lot of heads. This was BARS. You are someone who is obviously very well-read and successful beyond the office. Hope yall are listening. Im memorizing that statement. Classic successful entrepreneur statement

[@claudiagutierrez6336]

After years of being nice, helpful and wanting my coworkers to feel welcomed and positive at work....this is a new way of looking at office politics. It's unfortunate that my recent job has me working under someone who continously orders me to do things the wrong way. I have work ethics and I do value my reputation. I feel like an idiot for having my work returned to me, because my superior orders me to do it the wrong way and say, let the work come back. It's hard for me. Because I want to move up some day, but what can I do if it looks like I'm always doing things incorrectly? My move at this point is to move on. My own personal work ethics do not allow me to do a sloppy job. If you do it right the first time, u can move on to the next project. That's just my opinion.

[@florencia2771]

What if you request a meeting and explain your concerns to your boss?

[@claudiagutierrez6336]

@@florencia2771 i have been there, done that. She does not care and instead throws a tantrum, because I won't follow orders. Mind you, I'm professional and nice....no matter how I explain it.

[@unicornishcornish]

I've been in a situation like that. The options are limited. You can't say it's your boss's fault because then you make yourself look bad. But there's a subtle way to do it, when someone complained I told them I was sorry but I had to follow the process and unfortunately I was not authorised to change it. This way you're not pointing fingers but people catch on - if you can't change it then obviously someone above you can. Soon colleagues from other departments started asking my manager directly, he was trying to blame me but the noise around it was enough to get the attention of the boss of my boss who wasn't buying the bs, he asked me what I was told to do and the process was changed the same day. My manger wasn't even angry with me because he was pissed at those other colleagues who highlighted the issue to his boss. I was innocent 😈

[@llarraify]

I think we have the same boss. Interestingly she is she too. She is jelaous of you…I quit 1 month ago. Best choice ever. Before the quitting for some months I didn’t follow her orders, she always thought I’m against her or something. Now I left and she said she won’t be able to find someone like me again… so she is not fully dumb I suppose…. Just lacking self-control. These people has so strong power issues that they even self-sabotaging=their focus is so strong on themselves they don’t care about anything else. Just go with your way, if the team is successful do not worry a second she will take the credit and will be satisfied later… been there. I know how shitty is when you do better job, and the person who supposed to help is keep sabotaging you. Try to do things on your own, try to ignore her at max extent, take all the knowledge you can and when you maxed the job out just change workplace.

[@paulhornbogen980]

You nailed it. Cut cost and increase profits. What it is in for them. Keep it up.

[@User-vz4xm]

So glad to find this channel! It’s so underrated!

[@ceciliawilson6328]

Thank goodness my office is permanently working from home and I can avoid so much drama on a daily basis. I have had personal drama spill over into my workplace ( jealousy related and people ganging up against me) and don't have to ever go through that now. I appreciate that you can express these ideas into understandable words, but seriously it is just WAY too much work to have to strategize this much. Too much negativity will eat you up alive. This sounds like a really miserable toxic place to be all day.

[@outdoorminer5533]

Yes. Honestly, fuck that shit. Like we’re busy doing work and then we gotta learn manipulation, ass-licking techniques and war strategies for a measly salary? Absurd.

[@rosedandaro1761]

You are so right. Find I g a better work environment can be a challenge but is better than dealing daily with office politics and BS.

[@STMARTIN009]

I am glad I only have to go into the office once a month. I do my job but I don't kill myself or try to lick boots to get a stupid promotion. Not worth my time and energy.I work in a union so I get a raise every year regardless

[@PerrySkyePhoenix]

@@outdoorminer5533 Yes! Well said! 👏 👏 👏

[@cynthiaberesiri2253]

Welcome to my workplace. I am learning tricks to not play the politics but disarm their gangups. With a smile, calm like a cucumber, address issues directly and saying no without using the word "no" It's gonna be a words game. While smiling of course. No, I am not pissed, no emotion shown (ya, cos they want you emotional to lose your cool) just addressing issues openly and poke in a hole in their gangups. Watch them flare up and deflect.

[@ghostrender-]

I have experienced this to some point and I must say that it starts from the top & works downward here in the UK, eventually it goes away after the peak when a higher up position leaves and a new person with values and principles with integrity comes in the company and has super power eyes that see things nobody else can see. But only the workers feel and think and dodge the boomerang twice. All of this was in a small retail shop, also as corporate is more a dynamic (educational rank) where as none corporate is rather a phase (entitled) I just try to be a good performer at work, don't be off work, follow orders, never be late, say yes to overtime, always help, be kind and professional with customers/work people, never complain, try not to show frustration, be an awesome person when hungry for dinner and most importantly never backchat your manager.

[@-cMc-]

You need to help ppl along the way to win. You are improving your career along the way.

[@danielbarrett3434]

You’re like a mentor I can look up any time. Wish I had this 7 years ago!

[@johnbyerlein6682]

Would love to have had your wisdom 30+ years ago when I was starting out. As a man with autism, I found the office environment very stressful and confusing. For the most part, I rarely got wise career counsel and was often criticized for my imperfections, weaknesses and questions ---- ergo, I really don't give a D*** about any company I work for or its purposes, values or people.

[@zapp5916]

Man this hits so hard. I really need to sit down and watch some of these and figure out where I am going wrong. I never get along with bosses but it's not something I am trying to do it just seems to happen.

[@josephhudson7378]

I worked most of my life as a construction worker or mechanic. Slightly different politics there. I am new to working in a restaurant. I am also being considered for management. Thank you for these tips. I learn.

[@evanmaximilianovelardi]

you are totally right in point number 1, look, me and my boss hated so much, I went to HR against him, the war was ON, they put me in a Performance Improvement Plan, they believed him over me, I had to go to the government to save my job, it all came down to a deal where I accepted a transfer to another office :) he was not fired at the end of the day haha so yes you can win the battle but not the war :) it benefited me though because I had less work for same pay :)

[@drsundipshenoy2471]

You are too good deciphering complex web of mind politics at work and giving take home pearls of wisdom.Thank You Jennifer Madam. 🙏

[@karensmith8517]

I’m starting to realize being my own boss seems like less work 🤦🏻‍♀️ I’ve always been told that I’m too direct or over detailed sometimes and isn’t necessary but when shit happens who do they ask? It’s too much stress trying to balance everyone’s feelings at work.. looks like I need to change my career path soon 👀👀

[@jazzmoon77]

For most of the pst 20 years, I’ve chosen to work under short term contracts or be self employed largely to avoid office politics. Over that time I think I’ve matured enough to realise a lot of these things you talk about in this video. It’s all true and so important. I’m just about to start as a permanent employee at the company where I’ve been on contract the past 9 months and it’s the strong advocacy I’ve enjoyed from my boss and others that made me feel like this was a healthy environment to spend more time in. I know there will be much to learn in order to get things done with the full range of people here but I’ve got my people and feel safe and supported.

[@florencia2771]

Can you make a video for those of us who didn’t understand and already made mistakes regarding office politics? I am from another country ,I’m too honest and blunt and realized too late that I come off as “too strong.” I think it cost me promotions. Can I still do something about or should I find a new job?

[@arosnett]

When your good boss is removed, you get a new boss who does not know you, who give you crap evaluation an no salary bump….

[@SpoonTuesday]

All of this world is politics and people with power sucking the life out of regular people. I know the game must be played to win. But I’d rather have everyone lose than be a fake fuck, lose my integrity and happiness.

[@valentinajerenec3511]

This is like giving cheat codes hehe, love it. At the core of it is amazing self-regulation and overcoming egocentism.

[@nathc540]

I definitely needed this reminder. WFH made me stat to dislike my manager and our team. But gotta continue working with him

[@richardlebreton6690]

I made the mistake of making my boss look bad in front of the whole department. She called a meeting to humiliate me with a journal entry that I had done. Someone else pointed out that my JE was correct and it was pretty basic accounting.

[@InsideCorporatePlaybook]

Thanks for the tips as always. These lessons should be taught at school actually!

[@dendi1076]

but they wont teach, because schools dont want you to know the most important lessons

[@nkunam]

Yes they do teach something called Business Ethics and we now know how those Ethics are implemented at work. These are the same people who preach to the so-called Dictators like Putin, Erdogan, etc. Irony is at least Putin, Erdogan get elected by their populations and are liked by a significant portion of their populations. In workplace the so-called leaders are forever and there are no elections and definitely aren’t liked by their subordinates, yet absolute abuse of power backed by a hierarchy planted by negative selection.

[@dctrbrass]

I was thinking, "I don't play and I still get promoted," but according to this vid I DO play haha :) I just call it, "knowing how to treat and talk to people," like my dad used to tell me that I needed to learn all the time.

[@JenniferBrick]

Yasss! A ton of people who are acing the game like you don't even realize they're doing it. So awesome you had mentorship from your dad on these career success essentials!

[@dctrbrass]

@@JenniferBrick that's nice. aww ♡ thank you

[@jb44448]

Garbage humble brag

[@adamorick2872]

Office politics is why at a few jobs I had a little black notebook. Kept me unharrassed by bosses, and the worst shenanigans

[@rolansanchez7046]

All your videos help me decide that it's time to put up my own business.

[@STho205]

If it is you, yourself and you, then your social conflicts will only arise with your customers... That's a different dynamic. However if you hire people then the social struggles get worse not better for you. You become the funnel of all drama.

[@1traviswyrick]

I love most of your advice and insight. Strategic alliances are impossible if your social disorder causes you to be rejected by 99.9% of your community despite your best efforts. Im 40+ years old and still havent found a work around for social disorders that cause rejection. And yes i do prrform well at work, commonly break records. But that doesnt matter if people develop personal grievances with because you have an awkward character despite best efforts not to.

[@JenniferBrick]

Nickolas, I think that's fair. I don't know what your situation is precisely, but I want you to keep one thing in mind when you watch my videos. Me personally: social anxiety, shy and tbh awkward AF in real life. This is why for as long as I could remember I have studied human interaction. I was always trying to figure out where you join a conversation like other people did without stress or how to have small talk. This is also why I ended up focusing so much time and energy learning about likability... because for a lot of my life I didn't fit in. But for me, and my brain, when I know they steps I can follow them. Totally awkward at first but I practice all these things to improve. Most of all I learned how to channel my natural tendencies that limited me to work for me. Like I still suck at small talk, but I'm great at listening to people so I ask them questions and let them talk. I've learned to communicate less bluntly with people who can't handle directness. And I've also learned that openness helps the people I do know understand me. Anyways I tell you this because of this because I think our limits enable our strengths. I also believe they're are workarounds to everything. Anyways, sorry that's really long. I hope it makes sense (I'm still drinking my first cup of coffee). I just want you to see your potential 😀

[@1traviswyrick]

@@JenniferBrick i love your reply here. It helps a bit. Your positivity is outstanding. Id be curious to know your thoughts on the depth and scope of my situation, but its a long story and some things I wouldnt share on this forum. I dont know what kind of scheduale you have, but would there be a better way to exchange dialouge?

[@livetosmileandlaugh5368]

@@JenniferBrick 😭 this made me cry. You're just like me. I never fit in because of my social awkwardness. I'm 27 but if you can overcome it, I can too. You're so kind to be so open with this.

[@JenniferBrick]

@@1traviswyrick do you do insta! Wednesday I save time for q&a there now, send me a DM with more info and I'll do my best to respond!

[@sherrykfun]

You just hit the nail on the head for me. I'm daily accosted and verbally abused by a woman who is passive aggressive on steroids. I've let my bosses know this is a very toxic workplace with my chronic PTSD and anxiety. I battle every day to keep myself sane. I'm an oddball. Odd duck. I lack confidence even when I know I'm doing my job well. I suspect jealousy and fear of competition. Or she's just an unhappy asshat.

[@ashleychemise]

No lies! You are absolutely correct. I thoroughly enjoy watching your vids. I feel like we could have a deep/insightful conversation about "the workplace" I have so many stories.

[@loserscryfair]

This content is quite good. It showed up right after an Harvard (HBR) video after searching for "office politics"

[@barbiebabee9282]

Yep, oh boy do I wish I heard this just a little sooner a few months ago. I totally got myself in a email war with two bosses over something I thought was morally right to fight over, and then, Bam fired. I had never been fired in my life, and because I couldn't play the politics right it cost me. But honestly, now I'm in a position where my higher ups respect me and I have a lot of freedom to make the right kind of changes for the company. I just wanted to say to anyone else that might've gotten screwed, it'll turn up some day and you'll have a team of people that'll see your side of things.

[@atibamaule]

lucky for me my workplace is unionized. We do have office politics but when the boss tries something dirty like denying a pregnant worker time off and says she has to work up till her "due date", he changed his tune very quickly when the union stepped in.

[@janiceschroeder9908]

Serves him right. I get so sick of jerks attempting to lord it over people, especially those perceived as "lower" than them. Marginalized would be more like it. I hope he gets his someday--like maybe fired!

[@STMARTIN009]

I am part of a union also. People always stress what is in the contract and they back off pretty quick.

[@johnsullivan3444]

I've been getting all these points wrong for years. hahaha. My last boss was awful and well, word did get out that he wasn't doing his job so he got demoted and is out of my hair. So I did win that war I feel. It was a team effort. Most of my colleagues are wonderful but there is a definate section that are knuckle-dragging idiots. I shouldn't make it so apparent what I think of them. Agreed. Thank you so much! Loving the channel!

[@pulau6481]

Actually a great video

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Wish I would have stumbled across a video like this 15 or 20 years ago.

[@danibitt59]

This is one of those vids I need to watch 10x to learn every word

[@Jonathan01233]

if you make your boss look good they not gonna wanna promote you. there gonna wanna keep you in the same position.

[@josefuentes383]

Jennifer, thanks for your pieces of advice

[@tebogophasha1905]

Absolutely love your content!

[@ella2411m]

I recently was promoted. With that, I had to transfer to a different department, where I am now managing a larger team. It’s only been a couple of months, but during this short time I’ve started to notice certain employees testing my authority and showing insubordination. I have not sat down and addressed these issues with the specific employees, to avoid creating tension or making them feel uncomfortable. After bringing it up to my supervisor, she advised me to “show them who’s the boss”. As well as asked that I not ignore things that are bothering me and make sure to address them as they come up, whether they make the other employee feel uncomfortable or not. Can you do a video on this topic - about new managers dealing with insubordination, and why they are tested by their new team?

[@purple_cancerianm2886]

I am going through the same thing right now. Please let me know what you ended up doing. Thanks 😊

[@JonathanVachon777]

Yah if you are too kind, employes will abuse you. Before i was tolerating people talking to my back. Got me in trouble in 2 jobs. Now i fire them when they do it

[@jb44448]

Sounds like they know you didn't deserve the promotion.

[@jb44448]

​@JonathanVachon777 you don't know how to manage a team and that's why you struggle

[@ZetaCancri]

I "build strategic relationships" at work and my narcissistic boss destroyed them with gossip

[@protox4]

I win by switching to another company that pays more.

[@-cMc-]

You will not beat your boss. They have the key to your whole career.

[@timothydekoster4846]

What if our boss might be a covert narcissist and we are their target for narc supply?

[@ceceropanini6644]

Yes very good information 👍👍… Also there is a very good contents on Shantanu Sinha use case in academica page

[@acebase2302]

Idk I have beaten several bosses, you gotta be tricky though. In one such case, this one lady was making the lives of myself and others under her Hell. So I took it upon myself to take her down a peg. I would go to my boss’s boss and say little comments like “oh I’m sorry I would ask XXX but I can never get a hold of her when she’s working from home” or when people would ask why she was so late to a meeting I would say “oh you get used to it, gotta build in a 5 second buffer for her!” Always cheery, always with a positive spin on a negative thing. Eventually I got promoted to being a lower employee on the same tier as her. Didn’t stop. Kept up the little comments, shifted blame onto her, etc. Now she’s off somewhere in supply chain far away from me and I’m continuing on my path. I still road a grenade her way once every few months. Don’t give up on defeating bad people you’re just kicking the can down the road for the next poor employee to suffer. Didn’t win every fight but I fought every fight. And I didn’t fight fair 😊 Good luck to you all! Believe in yourself! Remember they’re busier than you they don’t have all day to scheme.

[@JonathanSorunke]

That was such a great first point. I never understood why people will fight with their bosses. For me I get paid by the hour so if they want me to do things the harder/longer way, then what's my headache about it, it's their business and money!

[@femmeNikita27]

People fight with bosses who don't pay them enough and who disrespect them. As simple as that.

[@STScott-qo4pw]

yup. i'm paid? then i'll do it.

[@anomad6314]

Yeah, brilliant. Well done

[@ProjectManager-mu7tw]

That’s Exsactly why I have my own business. the wrinkles says it all. No need to play politics when you figure out your own way ❤ glad I’m leaving corporate behind me

[@siopaoman37]

AWESOME!!!

[@jennybrodrig]

OMG this is more work than the work itself. 😅

[@JenniferBrick]

Actual job is always people no matter what your job is.

[@digasultra9438]

I realized that exact same thing ever since I joined corporate. The time and energy demanded by the coworkers drains my entire energy to do the actual work... I cannot understand why there are so many vampires sucking the energy out of coworkers. Fun fact: The phisical jobs I did, didn't demand that level of socialization. They were much straight forward and legit/honest people working by my side. The harder to get in the type of work, the worst the socialization becomes, that's what I learned. It's really weird why people create this sense of deficient competition (it's literally a lose-lose game, where the company gets worse with your performance, you get frustrated and your coworkers don't get ahead by doing it... And if they do it's like with pennies. Simply not worth it). Can anybody explain to me why this happens???

[@DisoMadida]

Excellent

[@greatsquarebee]

Never outshine the master: I joined along with one another person who was neither as skilled as me nor was he hard working. I corrected my senior one or two times and i didnt mean any disrespect but now all i see is the senior pushing my coworker everywher and he would not involve me anywhere...i did pretty good job at everything that was given to me but still that senior always makes sure the other person is always seen to be better and i never get the new work that can benefit my career or anything. I hate myself and my job. I dont know what to do now...I dont want to get used and thrown

[@candaceyoung3468]

We are unionized at my workplace; what grievance would you go to your union and can't go to( go to a lawyer) grievance( Co workers stealing, gossiping, harassment, bullying procedures of the work place)? Would you please do a topic on union helping the employee and how to talk to the union for the employees benefit.

[@stephanieannjones859]

This is one of my favorite videos! Thank you Jennifer, you're the best 👌

[@JenniferBrick]

This makes me so happy to hear, Stephanie! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@stephanieannjones859]

@@JenniferBrick yes, I watched it like 10 times! As humans, we learn by repitition. So, this is on the top of my list! Thank you so much, keep up the good work! 👍

[@saddestdayever1276]

Jenn! I fucking love you! This video couldn't be any more perfect timing than it is! I wish I could tell you the full story but it's too long! I appreciate the great tips!

[@JenniferBrick]

So glad it was here for you! Sending good vibes your way ✨

[@princealmighty5391]

You don't love her you FUCKING love her have to use swear words smfh

[@marksummers463]

Another GREAT resource is a piece titled The Hatchet Man's Playbook - a LOT of eye-popping, non-obvios stuff!

[@Alex-gu2ws]

I am so glad I watched this! Thank you!

[@starbud7536]

What does one do when despite all efforts to build alliances, team members resist? I'm introverted so this already requires substantial effort...Also what if not engaging in talking toxically about team members with those persons who have sway with the decision makers?

[@Christian-ql4vw]

In this video you speak great truth. Thank you.

[@melinoesedah9762]

I don't like to engage in office politics. Not too long ago, there was some bad blood between individuals in upper management and my bosses. I wasn't involved but I had to work with a few of them. It was intense. All of them couldn't cooperate and refused to speak with each other. It effected me and several others negatively: our schedules suffered, our assignments were disorganized, and including pay/raises.

[@marielivingstone4899]

Wow… this is such an opener

[@spikespiegel6561]

Soo true. My manager started disliking me and now I can't take any time off work because he gets pleasure disapproving my leaves. All this because i didn't sit on the table he asked me to.

[@ingridjenner6946]

I agree with everything! I did have one doubt, however. I want to know why you said that being the busiest person in the office means you’re not productive at your job. Is it a matter of whether you’re a productive worker, or the fact that your coworkers are setting you up to fail, even if you complete everything on your checklist

[@pinkfuture8275]

If your coworkers overworked you it means they don't like you. It's like being in a school project, your group mates don't respect you so they give you all the jobs while they have better grades from your hard work 😊

[@slantzscuderia]

"Your reputation matters more than anything else...", is the truth! Same career for 25 years, but for 3 different companies. I thought the quality, consistency, and dedication to my work was the most important for about 20 years...until I made A mistake of oversharing my opinion of a colleague.

[@citydweller99]

This is why I picked wfh...no office politics

[@cassietherainbowsend722]

This is what I’m striving for. Especially after watching this shit.

[@mjay0019]

I HATE office politics, even though you’re absolutely right.

[@216mptog]

Your contents is super awesome.