How to Navigate Office Politics (Part 1)
Navigating Office Politics is the game you can’t afford to lose.
Picture this: ancient Rome, 44 B.C. Julius Caesar… brilliant general, adored by his soldiers, standing at the height of his power. And yet, what ended his reign? It was not a failed battle or a lack of resources.
The answer is Politics. 🫣
And that’s what we are talking about ➡️How to Navigate Office Politics (Part 1)
A group of senators whispering in back rooms. Flattering one another. Maneuvering for personal advantage. The daggers in Caesar’s back weren’t just steel—they were the sharp edges of political gamesmanship.
Fast forward to today, and office politics don’t look that different. The daggers have changed into gossip, credit-stealing, or strategic silence… but the impact? Just as real.
And here’s the kicker: a 2025 survey found that over 90% of employees believe politics and bias shape decisions at work. Ninety percent! That’s not just water-cooler talk. That’s reality.
The truth is… you can’t ignore office politics. Pretending they don’t exist is like walking into quicksand and calling it mud. You’ll sink fast. The better option? Learn the terrain, play wisely, and use politics to advance not just your career—but your team’s purpose.
TOO MUCH DRAMA IN YOUR OFFICE?
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The Four Political Players You’ve Met Before
Your organization has political players… you just need to know who they are, what drives them, and how to work with them.
Let’s have some fun here—because you’ve met these folks in your office (and maybe even chuckled at their amusing behavior before). 😉
Here are the four key players every leader needs on their radar:
1. The Gossip Grapevine – They always have the “inside scoop” and drip-feed it like currency. Imagine a Mockingbird… 🐦
2. The Boss’s Shadow – Wherever the boss goes, here they come… with a smile and a compliment or three. Imagine a Labrador… 🐕
3. The Credit Collector – They didn’t lift a finger, but suddenly your project is our project, and they’re first in line for applause. Imagine a Peacock… 🦚
4. The Silent Sniper – They don’t say much in meetings, but when they do? They time it perfectly to block, redirect, or undercut. Imagine a Panther… 🐈⬛
Recognize a face or two? Yep. We all do. The good news? Once you spot the patterns, you can navigate them strategically.
Stop Letting Office Politics Run You -
Three Moves to Play and Win
Here are three smart actions to take that will help you shift from political target to political strategist:
1. Listen for What’s Not Being Said: Before your next big meeting, notice the undercurrents. Who leans in? Who avoids eye contact? Where’s the tension? Warmth deflects resistance; curiosity opens doors.
👉 Your Action: Try saying something like: “I’m curious…” or “Help me understand…” These phrases disarm defensiveness faster than you’d think.
2. Spot the True Influencers: Not all power comes with a title. Watch who people check with before decisions. Notice who gets defended when tensions rise. That’s influence at work.
👉 Your Action: Focus on building trust with these players. Not with flattery… but with genuine consistent actions: remembering details, following through, sending a quick note after a meeting to reinforce shared goals.
3. Master the Timing: Politics run in cycles—budget season, promotion season, project-pitch windows. If you bring an idea up at the wrong time, it’s like planting seeds in winter.
👉 Your Action: Share ideas when the organization is in “yes mode,” not “guard mode.” Timing isn’t everything… but it’s close.
Your Leadership Advantage
Here’s the bottom line: Office politics aren’t optional. They’re the undercurrent of influence. But with rhythm, timing, and trust, you don’t just survive the game… you shape it.
And when you do shape the game… you become the most valuable leader in the room.
I’m cheering 📣 for you!
P.S. ➡️ Listen to the Podcast here
P.S.S. Ready for Part 2? This was just the beginning. In Part 2 of Navigating Office Politics, we’ll dig deeper into why politics aren’t a dirty game, but rather a landscape you can learn to work within.