The surprising truth about office politics you need to know
Should you play the game or stay above it?
When we think about office politics, we usually sigh or groan.
But if you're gunning for that promotion, the big question is: do you climb the ladder faster by playing the game or delivering exceptional work?
Let's find out which route gets you ahead quicker.
But first, let's take a fresh look at office politics—
Think of office politics as the study of your workplace culture and social dynamics.
Here is your 7-part crash course—
1️⃣ Observe and Learn
Start by watching how people interact and who really pulls the strings.
Every company has its own unwritten rules.
Spot the informal leaders and see how decisions get made.
2️⃣ Learn to Influence Without Authority (at First)
Think of your office as a social network.
Make friends across different levels and departments—these connections could be your secret weapons in the long run.
Influence doesn’t always come from the top - a strong peer network is gold.
Start building it now.
3️⃣ Lean on Your Emotional Intelligence
Use your EQ. You’re a UXer after all, empathy is your superpower.
Get a read on your colleagues’ motivations and perspectives to build solid relationships.
Your high EQ will help resolve conflicts and turn potential adversaries into allies.
4️⃣ Understand “Invisible Leadership”
You can lead without the title.
Show leadership through action: take initiative, be responsible, support your team.
Offer help and guidance to others.
This builds your influence and sets you up for formal leadership roles.
5️⃣ Stay Ethical (Yes, You Can and Should)
Navigate office politics without losing your values.
Stick to your principles to build trust and a solid reputation.
Let your core values guide your decisions, inspiring others along the way.
6️⃣ Become a Great Storyteller (Your Secret Sauce)
Stories stick.
Frame your work achievements as compelling narratives to make your contributions memorable.
Memorable stories are easier for your bosses to repeat in rooms you don't yet have access to.
Regularly share stories of your wins and lessons learned with your team and stakeholders.
7️⃣ Don’t Neglect “Micro-Influence”
You don’t need to sway the entire org to make an impact.
Focus on small but significant changes within your immediate circle.
Aim for small wins that show your value - these will build momentum and increase your influence.
Be a team player.
Being part of a high-performing team amplifies your influence.
So, the million-dollar question:
Is playing office politics the fast track to promotion?
Short answer: yes.
Here’s why, with pros and cons, for you to weigh them side-by-side —
Playing Office Politics
→ Increased Visibility
✅ Pro: Makes you more noticeable to “key players”. By forming “alliances” with influential colleagues, your work and potential may get noticed earlier.
❌ Con: Can look like favoritism, making some peers resentful.
→ Faster Access to Opportunities
✅ Pro: Positions you for high-profile projects and roles, speeding up promotions.
❌ Con: Requires a lot of time and effort in networking, sometimes at the cost of your actual work.
→ Increased Influence:
✅ Pro: Knowing and using the power dynamics increases your influence and career growth.
❌ Con: Can involve ethical challenges, risking your reputation if not managed carefully.
Avoiding Office Politics:
→ Focus on Merit:
✅ Pro: Your skills and results build a solid reputation for you. Consistent good performance will eventually stand out.
❌ Con: If you're not visible, important people might not notice your work, slowing your promotions.
→ Authentic Relationships:
✅ Pro: Real relationships create a good work environment and help your career in the long run.
❌ Con: It takes time to build a network that includes influential people.
→ Ethical Integrity:
✅ Pro: Sticking to high ethical standards builds a trustworthy reputation.
❌ Con: You might miss out on quick advantages from being in the "right circles."
Which Approach Leads to Faster Promotions?
Playing Office Politics:
🐇 Generally Faster: Playing office politics can help you get promoted quicker by getting noticed and teaming up with important people.
⏱ Immediate Gains: Being more visible and making key connections gives you faster access to high-impact projects and roles.
Avoiding Office Politics:
🐢 Potentially Slower: Just focusing on your work might lead to slower promotions because it depends on people noticing your efforts.
💚 Sustainable Success: Creates a solid career foundation built on trust, respect, and real relationships.
So, which path will you choose for your next career move?
Till next Saturday,
—Marina
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