How to Steer Clear of Petty College Politics
Politics is existent in every aspect of modern life, especially in areas where resources are quite limited. When you go off to college, you’ll most probably be faced with situations where petty politics is practiced. Whether it be in the classroom, in student organizations, or in student elections, college students often witness and experience issues of power relations, which are often the root and cause of petty college politics. To help you avoid getting involved in petty college politics, here are some simple tips you can follow:
Practice diplomacy in dealing with people
Raising your voice and allowing your temper to go out of control won’t solve anything. If you have specific concerns regarding a classmate or a fellow member in your organization, confront him or her and talk about the issue with a clear head. Never ever go behind someone’s back and use the Internet or other forms of media to get back at someone who you think has done you wrong. A lot of students make the mistake of lashing out at their “enemies” at social networking sites and gossip sites, thinking that the resulting embarrassment will make the other person drop the issue and leave them alone.
On the contrary, cases like these often lead to even bigger issues and fights, and leaves the original issue still unsolved. This is why talking things out in a diplomatic manner is still the most effective way to resolve issues. By keeping your cool when talking about the issue, you will be able to discuss and express your points better in such a way that would make it easier for the other party to see your point.
Learn when to recognize authority, and when to question it
College is the time when most students find and establish their sense of individuality. Here they discover aspects of their personality that they never knew existed. Most students learn to be independent and assertive during college. And while assertiveness is an admirable trait, you should also learn when and where to practice it in different levels. For example, if you’re not comfortable with some of your organization’s rules, you can talk to the president or officer of the organization and ask them to explain the rationale for these specific rules.
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