The game of swivel chairs

Office politics is here to stay. But whether you're a self-proclaimed pacifist-cum do-gooder or a ruthless social climber on the rise, office politics doesn't have to be militant. In fact, making the most of connections and getting things done even when you're pressed for resources are of the utmost importance when it comes to your performance in the workplace. If you're frustrated with the office politics in your cubicle, where better to learn a thing or two than from the televised epitome of subterfuge and self-serving intentions—Game of Thrones.

1. Get in the game

That's the first rule of office politics. Thing is, office politics will affect you, whether you want to get involved or not. It's not about getting your hands dirty, it's about not burying your head in the snow. Because sooner or later someone's going to pull an Alliser Thorne on you and you're going to be lying in the dirt wondering what you did wrong. Be on the lookout for anyone harbouring ill feelings towards you and try to find out what motivates others. Understanding the people around you is a talent that will prove useful on your way up.

2. Locate your organisation's Varys

Things are hardly ever what they seem, the pecking order more so. There might be someone in middle management or even in an entry-level position who has informal power in the grand scheme of things. Their opinions and their work are valued and they have unlikely yet useful connections all over the place. Watch and learn. Pay close attention to who's pulling the strings behind the curtains and work towards getting into their good books.

3. Mingle with the masses

Before her fall from grace, Queen Margaery pretty much had her fingers in everybody's pie. She had the common folk, Sansa, Joffrey, Tommen, Renly, and her brother (amongst dozens other) eating out of the palm of her hand. Margaery had it figured it out. Observe who eats lunch with whom, which departments are on friendly terms, and make an entrance.

It shouldn't just be the big shots that you're eyeing.  The friendship and respect of colleagues and regular employees are just as important, especially in times of inter-departmental collaboration.

But unlike Margaery who was an evil, conniving, little princess, avoid empty compliments; use your network for the greater good, not self-promotion. 

4. Avoid rumours

While this one's pretty obvious, Game of Thrones portrays some of the best examples of backbiting gone wrong. Unless you want vengeful co-workers on your tail the next time you screw up, don't gossip or spread unconfirmed information. It will also hamper your credibility in the office. So next time you're contemplating badmouthing a fellow employee, remember what they said about Littlefinger: "(he's) told so many lies, half-truths, distortions of the truth, and lies of omission that it can be somewhat difficult to ever believe him."

5. Look at the bigger picture

As part of an organisation, your work activities are not limited to your job description or your personal objectives. At the end of the day, it's a team effort towards accomplishing the overarching organisational goal. If all of Westeros is burning in hell's fire, what good is it if you've become Warden of the North? If your organisation is in trouble, you're not going to succeed either. If you're asked for help, don't say no.

6. Mind your own business

Two words: Ned Stark. If you aren't already  acquainted with the drama and backstabbing that office politics (or politics in general) entails, beware. Things can get messy and toxic very quickly in a competitive workplace environment so learn how to dodge ugly situations. Don't get involved in every single battle in the office—pick ones that matter to you, not ones where you will be out of your depth and can possibly get you in trouble. You can't control everything and you shouldn't try to either.  

7. Neutralise possible adversaries

It doesn't have to be you against the world. While you should actively work on making connections, try not to pick fights, no matter how far you're pushed. You never know who's going to try to get back at you. Instead take the opportunity to sit down with colleagues you might've had differences with and discuss how you can work together. By redirecting everyone's focus to the organisation's best interests and goals, you'll develop a reputation as someone who can transcend petty interpersonal squabbles and just get the job done. 

8. Separate the personal from the professional

In an ideal world, you left your feelings at the front gate, before you stepped into work. But you're going to lock horns with somebody somewhere down the path. And if not that, you're going to be humiliated or unfairly criticised or just hurt in general. Don't put yourself in a vulnerable position just because you took a rash decision in the heat of the moment (Oberyn Martell, anyone?). Stick to the facts and keep your cool. Because once it gets around that you're impossible to work with, you're not going to get that promotion you rightly deserve.

9. Don't turn into an Other

In your noble attempts to avoid scuffles and trivialities, don't be cold towards your co-workers. Engage, lend a hand, stay back late once in a while. Thank the people you work with, have lunch with your colleagues from the next cubicle, or bring a treat to work. People will remember and you will always get the support you need.

The writer is the In-Charge of the career publication of The Daily Star. She is also a senior at the Institute of Business Administration University of Dhaka