I believe I’m caught up in office politics

Dear Caroline, 
For the past few months, I’ve been caught up in office situations I didn’t expect to be part of. I think it’s office politics where you are supposed to be part of a certain camp. Basically, I’ve been trying to avoid picking sides but now  it seems people are using that to scapegoat me every time something goes wrong. This has totally demoralised me, please help. Phiona.
 
Hello Phiona,
I  ’m sorry about the situation. Office politics is difficult to handle and even more complex if you are getting caught in the middle.
 The first thing you need to do is get a full picture of what is actually taking place. Who are the staff members involved in the quarrels? You need to be mindful that the original cause of the tension may have changed over time. As time goes by people’s perspective and interpretations may be affected depending on how they see the situation.

  May I suggest that you also take some time and reflect on the incidents that you believe you are being incorrectly blamed for. Make sure the incidents are factual and that you can demonstrate you’re being wrongly accused. Secondly you need to ask yourself the question whether the member of the “camps” have a direct impact on you. 

For example, if it involves your supervisor then you need to be careful on how you manoeuvre the situation. If it involves your peers who are at the same level as then you will have a different plan of action.   The overall goal is to manage the situation, ensuring your job is not at risk and that you don’t feel demoralised. 

If the quarrel is at the supervisory level and “camps” supporting the supervisors have become threatening my advice is to speak with the HR manager.

 It would be inappropriate for you to try and address the issue. A good HR manager will find a way of having the matter resolved while protecting your identity and making sure your name is not revealed thus avoiding a backlash on you. 
If the arguments are between your peers, i.e staff who are at your same level as you, then it’s best you raise the matter with your Supervisor. 

In both cases while narrating your situation it is important for the HR manager and Supervisor to appreciate perspective. You are not gossiping in the office but rather you are concerned because you’re being made a scapegoat, feeling threatened and demoralised.

Caroline Mboijana,
Managing Director,
The Leadership Team (U) 
[email protected]