Office politics can be a challenge for anyone, and it’s especially true in fast-paced environments like Dubai, where people from diverse backgrounds work together. We all have different personalities, work styles, and communication preferences, and sometimes these differences can lead to misunderstandings and tension. My roommate, Jenny, shared an experience that really made me think about how we can navigate such situations and turn them into something positive.
Jenny was dealing with a colleague who treated her rudely when she first joined the company. Even minor mistakes, like an error in a work sheet, were quickly reported to their boss, and anything Jenny did that her colleague didn’t like—like checking her phone for a few minutes—was scrutinized. It created an uncomfortable and tense environment for Jenny, and she found herself constantly stressed, feeling like she was being watched all the time. This is a perfect example of how difficult office politics can make work life feel.
At first, Jenny tried to ignore her colleague’s behavior, thinking it was just how this person was, but over time, the situation didn’t improve. Instead of allowing the tension to continue building, Jenny decided to take control and approach the situation in a more constructive way. She didn’t let the negativity get to her; instead, she made a conscious decision to engage with her colleague in a positive way.
One day, Jenny made the first move. She chose to start a conversation, and instead of avoiding the colleague, she made an effort to connect with her. Jenny was kind, patient, and open, and slowly but surely, the relationship began to change. As they spent more time talking, Jenny realized that her colleague wasn’t as difficult as she had initially thought. The more they communicated, the more they understood each other, and over time, what had been a tense relationship started to transform into a friendship.
This experience taught me an important lesson about handling office politics: sometimes, the solution isn’t to avoid the problem or escalate it but to take a step forward with kindness and understanding. Jenny could have easily allowed the situation to spiral into more frustration, but instead, she chose to approach it with an open mind. The key takeaway here is that if we want to build better relationships at work, we need to take initiative and invest time in understanding our colleagues, even when it feels challenging.
One solution to office politics is to engage with difficult colleagues in a way that encourages open communication. If there’s tension between you and someone else, try to find common ground and start a conversation. It’s important to remain calm, even when faced with rudeness or negativity. Building a relationship doesn’t mean you have to be friends right away, but it does mean giving others the chance to show who they really are. Oftentimes, people behave in certain ways because of stress, misunderstandings, or their own insecurities, and it’s important to see the bigger picture.
Another solution is to set healthy boundaries. While building positive relationships with colleagues is essential, it’s also important to know when to step back and assert yourself. If someone’s behavior continues to cross boundaries or affect your work, don’t be afraid to address the issue calmly and professionally.
Finally, it’s vital to keep in mind that workplace dynamics can be unpredictable. Not every relationship will develop the way you want it to, and not every colleague will become a friend. But by remaining patient, proactive, and willing to learn from the experience, you can navigate these situations with grace. Jenny’s approach—taking the time to understand her colleague, showing kindness, and building trust—was a perfect example of how to turn a challenging situation into a positive one.
In the end, office politics are a part of every workplace. But they don’t have to be a source of stress or conflict. With patience, understanding, and a proactive mindset, we can build better relationships with our colleagues and create a more harmonious work environment for everyone. Jenny’s experience shows that with the right approach, even the most difficult situations can lead to positive outcomes.
