Tuesday Tea: Office Politics

Let’s be real, office politics is the workplace drama nobody signs up for, but somehow we all end up involved in. You can pretend it doesn’t exist, but it does. Oh, it does.

Now, if you ask me whether you should get involved or stay the hell out of it, I’ll give you the most honest answer I can: It depends.

I know, not the most satisfying answer, but hear me out.

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It’s Not Just Drama — It’s Strategy (Sometimes)

We often think of office politics as shady behavior behind closed doors, gossiping, sabotaging, kissing up to the boss, all of that. But sometimes, it’s simply about understanding how things really work in a workplace. Who holds influence (not always who you think), how decisions get made, and how relationships impact opportunities.

In short: It’s not always evil. Sometimes, it’s just… strategy.

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To Play or Not to Play?

Here’s where it gets tricky.

✅ When It Might Make Sense to Play:

• When your work is being overlooked because someone louder is taking credit.

• When decisions are being made behind closed doors and you’re not even invited to the hallway.

• When you’re trying to climb the ladder and the only way up is through a maze of egos and alliances.

In these cases, “playing the game” doesn’t mean turning into a villain. It means learning how to position yourself smartly. Building the right relationships. Knowing when to speak and when to hold your cards.

❌ When You Should Probably Stay Out:

• When it involves manipulation or backstabbing.

• When the cost of involvement is your mental health or personal values.

• When you're being roped into a "he said, she said" situation that has nothing to do with you.

Remember: not all battles are worth fighting, especially if the win is just a temporary boost and the long-term damage is irreversible.

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But Here’s the Hard Truth: You Will Be Affected

Even if you try to stay out of it completely mind your business, do your job, clock in and clock out, chances are, office politics will still affect you.

You might not be playing, but others are. And decisions made in those backroom convos can shape:

• Who gets promoted

• Who gets visibility

• Who gets blamed when things go south

So the key is not whether you should get involved or not but how you choose to engage.

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My Take? Navigate, Don’t Neglect.

Personally, I try to navigate, not play. I don’t insert myself into unnecessary drama, but I do keep my eyes open. I observe. I connect with people genuinely. I speak up when needed especially if silence means being steamrolled.

And most importantly: I try to protect my peace. Because once you let politics define your work experience, it becomes exhausting real fast.

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Final Sip of Tea ☕️

So should you get involved in office politics? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Ask yourself:

• Does this affect me directly?

• Is staying out of it really an option?

• Can I engage without losing myself in it?

Because trust me, every workplace has politics. Even the ones that swear they’re “flat hierarchy” or “family-like”. Yeah, okay.

At the end of the day, your best weapon is self-awareness. Know who you are, what you stand for, and when to stand up for yourself. And if you're gonna sip the tea… at least make sure it’s not burning your tongue.