Animal magic: It’s a jungle out there

The laws of the jungle bear a significant similarity to office politics, according to researchers. Learning from chimps and monkeys and using the same techniques they use to survive in the wild can help you get on at work.

Although the modern workplace is a long way from the leafy enclaves of our primate ancestors or even the small tribal villages of early human history, the office and the jungle are surprisingly similar in other ways, according to a report in the New Scientist. “Both are ruled by stringent hierarchies,” reveals the report. “They are grounded in the need for co-operation, and complicated by the drive to compete. “Add in the risk of hostile takeovers, a marketplace of favours and favourites, brazen opportunism and a long-held tradition of brown-nosing, and you can’t tell the savannah from a forest of cubicles.”

Here are five ‘laws of the jungle’ to help you survive the office.

1.Be A Team Player

Studies show that wild chimps often share their hard-earned meat with others in return for helping them in fights. Male chimps also form bonds in order to overthrow a reigning boss. New Scientist says: “For the average office worker, the lessons from the jungle are simple; to get ahead you have to form strong working alliances, offer assistance and call in favours when you need them.”

2.Be Nice to your Colleagues

Wild chimps quickly work out who is the most co-operative worker in the group and are keen to pair up with them. So buying a round of drinks or bringing in some doughnuts might be more important than you would think. It shows you are willing to pitch in with the group.

3. Show Respect to the Boss

The report found that primates who spend time currying favour with their superiors receive more support in fights. “In the wild, one of the clearest examples come in the form of grooming. Those at the bottom of the ladder spend more time grooming than those above, who in turn, spend more time grooming those above them, and so on. ‘Brown-nosing’ in the corporate world might seem despicable, but keeping yourself in good grace with the executive set can be useful.”

4. Be A Good Boss

A good boss is vital for a productive office environment. Monkeys in the wild vary in their leadership techniques, but the most successful rulers show compassion as well as control. These chimps keep order by throwing stones, slapping tree trunks and barking directions but at the end of the working day share the bulk of their meat with others. New Scientist says: “Being a good boss is a careful balancing act of control, leadership and motivation.”

5. Don’t Hold Grudges

In the animal world squabblers will take the time to kiss and make up, which benefits the group. The report says: “Studies on primates show reconciliation reduces stress and decreases the chance of subsequent flare-ups. Winner or loser, starter of hostilities or not, take a moment to show you value and appreciate your colleague.’