How does one determine the rules of office politics?

Question

Is it some unspoken language?

That's why I want to get out of office jobs entirely

I've been dealing with this nonsense for too long

Answer 1

Always assume everyone likes you and genuinely train yourself to believe that. Then, treat everyone with that in mind. Refrain from any talk that you would not say at a company outing with everyone listening. avoid conflict but stand your ground. TACT TACT TACT. In the office, tact and avoiding gossip will help you to avoid most office politics much less learn the rules.
With that said, office politics vary from company to company. That is why i say focus on YOU and what you can control and let the rest take care of itself. Good managers will recognize this (although some might view it in different ways, all of which are positive) and your stock will rise with that company. Being easy to work with is a lost art.

Answer 2

It is unspoken and it's wasteful, unproductive, unhealthy pathetic bunch of nonsense. Try to stay out of it and keep your nose clean. It's basically a big game for small-minded people that aren't using their time or can't seem to get over 8th grade. Blech!

Seriously, avoid it like the plague, I have seen it way too much and in way too many jobs.

Answer 3

Usually the company culture does or a strong-armed boss/manager. There are a number of factors. A company with good office politics is a company with a solid value system and managers who try to minimize it.

Office politics are impossible to avoid, but you can keep them to a minimum.