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Re-imagining Organisational & Office Politics

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Office politics is just influence by another name.

Annie McKee

Let me ask you a question

How do you feel about office politics?

… I can feel all those shudders from here!

 

Now I may be on my own here, but I think office politics is getting a rough deal and deserves a fresh perspective!

Hear me out, because a lot of how we see office politics depends on the intention behind our behaviours – is it for the good of the whole, or only for the good of an individual?

I truly believe that when used ethically and authentically, office politics can HELP you advocate for your employees, your organisation… and yourself!

For those of you who have just fallen off your chair while reading that, it’s time to pick yourself up off the floor because you really need to hear this!

Ignoring Office Politics Can Hamper Your Growth

Many of us believe that our brilliant work speaks for itself

… and yes, it should

… but we all know the reality!

While great performance is crucial, if no one knows about it or knows YOU are responsible, it’s not actually helping your personal brand or your career.

That means it’s time to level up on your political know-how.

Political savvy is a skill

It’s not a character flaw, and using it does not make you a bad person!

It’s a skill you can learn, and when you use it in the right way, you don’t need to compromise your integrity or your values.

“when they go low, we go high”

Michelle Obama

How to be politically aware without compromising your values

Awareness is Key – be conscious of your company’s dynamics

  • Power and Influence: Who holds the power? Who influences key decisions? Build relationships with these influencers and create a network of allies who advocate for you (and who you can advocate for – because remember – it’s a two-way relationship).

 

  • The Rules (written and unwritten): Unwritten rules can be powerful. Understanding what’s ‘expected’ vs ‘contracted’ or other subtle in-house routines allows you to navigate them more effectively and on your terms.

 

  • Company Culture: Observe how people are treated and supported.  Are there obvious biases? Does the company align with your values?  If not, ask yourself if you really want to invest your time and energy in it!

 

Don’t be a passive observer – engage and get proactive

  • Build Relationships: Network with key stakeholders and cultivate valued connections across departments and all levels of the organisation.

 

  • Advocate for Yourself: Speak up in meetings, showcase your expertise, and don’t shy away from taking credit for your accomplishments. Don’t forget to also back your colleagues and fanfare their wins too.

 

  • Be Strategic: Align your goals with company initiatives and demonstrate how your skills contribute to their success. (Link to data blog)

The Myths of Office Politics

Despite the negative connotations, office politics aren’t inherently evil!

They are actually about two things – and the power they give you – or not.

  1. influence
  2. relationships

“We can’t avoid politics, and we should not, because if all of the good people stay out of the game, the Machiavellians and the narcissists win.”

Annie McKee, Harvard Business Review

Myth 1: You can either be a good person OR play politics

Office politics can be ethical or unethical.

Ethical political behaviour involves using your influence and relationships to get things done in a way that benefits everyone in a win-win.

Unethical behaviour involves manipulating or harming others for personal gain – and this type of dysfunctional politics can ‘sink an organisation’.

 

Myth 2: You can escape office politics

Politics exist in every organisation, even non-profits and the kindest of businesses. It’s about informal power dynamics and influence, not malicious intent – at least, it should be!

 

Myth 3: Politics don’t affect your job performance or career

Your work may be incredible, but you must advocate for yourself and build relationships with those who can influence your success – whether in a project or within your career.

 

Studies show that individuals with political skills tend to do better in gaining more personal power as well as managing stress and job demands, than their politically naive counterparts. They also have a greater impact on organisational outcomes.”

(HBR)

Myth 4: Politics disappear in virtual environments

While less visible, political manoeuvring still occurs remotely through emails, chats, and virtual meetings. Make sure you stay aware of who’s who and what’s happening, even when you’re not in the room!

 

Myth 5: Political intelligence is an inherent trait

Political know-how is a skill that can be learned and honed through practice and self-reflection, BUT you do need to get comfortable in the uncomfortable until it becomes natural and habitual.

Strategies for Inclusive Office Politics

  • Change the perception: Openly chat about the importance and positive impact of building connections and navigating office politics within your business so it’s not hidden away or shameful.

 

  • Create an employee ‘politics’ toolbox: Give everyone the tools they need to navigate office politics brilliantly AND positively, such as mentorship, sponsors, and professional development.  Inspire your employees to develop their skills while still staying true to themselves… at all levels!

 

  • Reframe politics positively: Shift the narrative around office politics. Highlight the value of political skills like negotiation, influence, and relationship-building and promote these skills in training programs and the business language being used. Office politics is about brilliant stakeholder management, NOT being insidious, backstabbing, or evil!  You could even try changing the language to be something more upbeat, like People-ing with Influence!

 

  • Inclusive leadership: Train your managers to be inclusive and transparent in their political manoeuvring. Encourage them to share their knowledge and networks, especially with underrepresented groups.

 

  • Encourage Win-Win: Focus on creating success for others and yourself! No two people want the same thing or have exactly the same priorities, so it’s important to acknowledge this and work for a win-win vs only your win.

 

  • Share success stories: Showcase the journeys of successful employees who leveraged positive organisational awareness to deliver a project, encourage business growth, or even advance their careers. This helps others imagine a path where leveraging politics becomes a tool for empowerment, NOT exploitation.

My final thoughts

Office politics may not sound sexy, but when you change the story and make it about what YOU care about, the whole tone and energy around it changes!

Think of it like a currency – what does the company need (e.g. to achieve profitability, build growth, or build strong relationships), and how can you help them? Then, focus your energy there.

And make sure you’re always on the ball when it comes to the state or the business’ political landscape because it’s constantly changing—mergers, acquisitions, economic instability, risk management … I could go on!

If you’re aware of the big picture, you’ll be able to adapt and flex to leadership’s needs and mitigate any risk!

office politics_people sorted

Office politics aren’t going anywhere, so it’s time to harness your inner yogi…

  • see the ‘ick’
  • feel the ‘ick’
  • thank the ‘ick’
  • and then f*cking let that ‘ick’ go

 

It’s simple, but it’s not easy.

As Annie McKee says;

“… get in the game. Be authentic and claim your right to guide and inspire others. Broaden your group of friends at work. Learn what it takes in your organization to influence individuals and groups. Do something for somebody else, every day, without thought of personal gain. Treat politics like the game it is, with all the seriousness and ethics it deserves.”

 

So, get those splinters out of your butt because you can’t sit on that office politics fence any longer – it’s time to choose a side…

And I’ve chosen to be ALL IN!

How about you?

 

HERE ARE SOME MORE AWESOME RESOURCES TO GEEK OUT ON;

ARTICLES:

VIDEO:

POD:

 

BOOK:

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