“But isn’t that manipulative?”
An executive I coach asked me this question recently. I’d just asked her to identify strategic relationships at work—people who could help her execute her vision and people who could derail it. When we discussed the potential derailers, I encouraged her to develop a plan to get them on her side.
Her concern about manipulation was understandable: it felt insincere to build a relationship with someone she didn’t enjoy working with, even if it would benefit her team’s success.
I challenged her with three questions:
- Are you trying to steal from them?
- Are you trying to take advantage of them for personal gain?
- Are you going to use them for a favor, then ignore them when they need one in return?
If that’s your intent, yes—that’s manipulative. But if you’re genuinely trying to build cooperation that leads to your organization’s success, then welcome to the game of office politics.
Politics gets a bad reputation because of corrupt politicians. Office politics, at its core, is simply understanding the system you work within:
- What’s the mission?
- Who are the decision makers?
- Who holds political capital?
This awareness gives you savvy and helps you understand that work isn’t checkers—it’s chess. You must constantly elevate your relationships beyond mere transactions to leverage the power of effective, lasting collaboration.
Here are six ways to “win” the political game at work.
Build Real Relationships
Get to know your colleagues as people, not just job titles. Remember personal details, celebrate their wins, and offer help when you can. People support those they genuinely like and trust. Authentic connection isn’t manipulation—it’s the foundation of all successful professional relationships.
Understand the Informal Power Structure
Every office has an unofficial hierarchy that differs from the organizational chart. Identify who actually influences decisions, who people seek out for advice, and which relationships truly matter. Sometimes the executive assistant wields more influence than the VP. Map these relationships early and invest in them consistently.
Master the Art of Listening
Become the person others confide in by listening more than you speak. Ask thoughtful questions and remember what people share with you. Information is currency in office politics, but use it wisely and ethically—this distinction is crucial. Your reputation as a trusted confidant becomes one of your greatest professional assets.
Pick Your Battles Wisely
Not every hill is worth dying on. Reserve your political capital for issues that truly matter to your career, values, or team’s success. Sometimes allowing someone else to “win” a small battle positions you to win the larger war. Strategic restraint often demonstrates more strength than constant confrontation.
Stay Above the Fray
When workplace drama erupts, resist the urge to pick sides or engage in gossip. Be the Switzerland of your office—neutral, reliable, and trustworthy. This positions you as someone leadership can depend on during turbulent times, making you invaluable when decisions need to be made.
Align with Organizational Goals
Always frame your ideas and requests in terms of how they benefit the company, not just you. When your success clearly connects to organizational success, supporting you becomes an easy decision because people can trust your motivations extend beyond self-interest. This alignment makes you a natural ally rather than a competitor.
The real “win” isn’t about outmaneuvering colleagues or climbing over others. It’s about creating an environment where you can do exceptional work while maintaining your integrity, building meaningful relationships, and advancing both your career and your organization’s mission.
Office politics isn’t a dirty game—it’s the art of working effectively with humans in complex systems. Master it with authenticity and purpose, and you’ll find that success follows naturally.
