Office politics can be a major source of stress and frustration. It can decrease productivity, lower morale, and increase turnover rates. As an executive leadership coach, I have seen the negative impact of office politics on company culture.
Completely eliminating office politics may be impossible. However, I have found that strategies can help minimize its effects. One of those strategies is using five simple words to diffuse tense situations. I believe that using these words together can promote a more collaborative work environment.
The five powerful words are: “How can we find common ground?” This phrase is essential. By asking this question, you create an opportunity for open dialogue. You encourage the cessation of office politics, gossiping, and talking behind each other’s back.
“How can we find common ground?” acknowledges differences in opinion or approach. But it also emphasizes the importance of finding a way to work together. It encourages active listening, empathy, and a solution-oriented mindset.
When you use this phrase, you help achieve several important objectives:
Fostering collaboration: By seeking common ground, you encourage teamwork. You promote finding mutually beneficial solutions.
Promoting empathy: Asking this question requires putting yourself in others’ shoes. It leads to more compassionate interactions.
Identifying shared goals: When you focus on finding common ground, you uncover shared objectives. These objectives can unite your team and drive progress.
Allowing emotions to settle: When you ask about things you have in common, it gives people space to cool down from their emotions. It helps them step back from the heat of the moment and approach the situation with a more level-headed perspective.
Facilitating productive conversations: This phrase sets the stage for constructive dialogue. All parties feel heard and valued. This leads to more effective problem-solving.
By incorporating “How can we find common ground?” into your workplace communication, you can reduce the negative impact of office politics. You can create a more positive, collaborative environment.
Lead from Within: By saying this five word phrase, you model behavior that will transform your workplace culture for the better.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- The Power of Feedback: How to Make Feedback Constructive
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- The Two Biggest Communication Mistakes A Leader Can Make
- Why the Best Leaders Crave Feedback
- 5 Communication Strategies That Will Transform Your Leadership
- 4 Toxic Communication Styles To Avoid As a Leader
- 5 Verbal Communication Mistakes You Need To Correct Asap
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.