Why Good People Lose at Office Politics (And How to Change the Game)

Last year, a friend (senior product manager) called me after being passed over—again—for a leadership role at her company. She was brilliant, dedicated, and loved by her team. She used to say, "I don't come to work to play games — I come to work to get things done." But the promotion went to someone with "better visibility". Through clenched teeth, she said, "I'm just not the political type."

Maybe you've said something similar.

But here's the hard truth: If you're avoiding office politics because you think it's beneath you, you're probably leaving your influence—and impact—on the table.

If you're a changemaker—and you are—then it's time to step into the arena. Influence requires presence. Today, you will learn what you can do to expand your influence ✊

🧠 Politics = Influence + Relationships

Let's reframe this: "Office politics" isn't a dirty word. It's a neutral one. It's simply the name we give to informal influence — how decisions really get made, how trust is built, how ideas get supported, and how leaders rise.

Here's the truth: every organization is political. The only question is whether those politics are healthy or toxic, intentional or reactive, inclusive or exclusionary.

If you're not cultivating political savvy, you're not being apolitical — you're being uninformed. And in today's complex world & work environment, that's a risky position to hold.

If you don't do politics, politics will do you.

🏴‍☠️ The Dark Side Wins If You Stay Out Of It!

The most common problem in leadership is apathy. People remain passive because they "want to stay out of politics" - office or national politics. Meanwhile, those who seek power solely for personal narrow interests don't hesitate to play the game. They shape the rules, seize power, and influence outcomes. Often, they deliberately make politics appear so distasteful that principled people stay out. Power-hungry and corrupt leaders win when good people opt out. The only way to change the game is to act, not to stay out of it!

Try this mindset shift 👇

⚠️ Most Common Misconceptions

• Office Politics Is Always Negative - Politics can be used ethically to build alliances and advance legitimate goals, not just for manipulation.

• Only Manipulative People Engage in Office Politics - Everyone influences workplace dynamics, whether they realize it or not—you don't have to be devious.

• Hard Work Speaks for Itself - Results matter, but so do visibility, relationships, and understanding informal power structures.

• Office Politics Doesn't Affect Me If I Avoid It - You're part of the system regardless. Ignoring politics risks missing opportunities.

• Office Politics Exists Only in Large Corporations - Politics emerge wherever people compete for resources—in small teams, non-profits, and large corporations alike.

Now you know you've got to get into the game. How do you do it? 👇

💭 Know Why You're Playing The Game

I think a lot about this question: why am I doing what I am doing? Before investing time in any project or navigating office politics, I check if my actions align with my purpose. This prevents me from slipping into a self-serving pursuit of power for its own sake - a path to the dark side. While wanting a promotion or better salary is fine, true leadership potential emerges when you connect personal goals with a greater good - supporting your family/community, protecting democracy, making healthcare accessible, etc. This alignment transforms you into an authentic, inspiring, and effective leader.

🛠️ How to Play the Long Game with Integrity

👀 Observe the game before you play - Start mapping influence and power patterns in your workplace. Who gets heard? Who's connected? What gets rewarded? Awareness is your first step toward agency.

🗺️ Build your influence map - List 5 people who have informal power. Now, identify how often you interact with them and how you could build more trust with them. Learn more about trust-building in our previous issue.

🤝 Ask: Who am I helping rise? - Politics doesn't have to be selfish. Support others behind the scenes. Build coalitions. Use your influence to make systems more equitable.

👁️ Stay visible - Speak up in meetings, volunteer for cross‑functional projects.

⚖️ Define your non-negotiables - Write down your 5-6 core values. Decide in advance what ethical lines you won't cross—even if it means taking the harder path.

🤝 Be transparent and civil - Communicate clearly, respectfully, and directly. Avoid gossip, hidden agendas, and back-channeling.

🔄 Reflect - After taking action, note what worked, what didn't, and how it aligned with your values.

✨ Action

Don't let another day pass watching others define your career. Take action:

👉 Reflection Prompt: Think of a time you avoided playing politics and paid the price. What would you do differently now, knowing what you know?

👉 Micro-Challenge: For the next 5 days, take one intentional relationship-building action each day — a check-in, an honest compliment, a "how can I support you?"

👉 Share: Know someone who sees themselves as "too good" for office politics? Forward this to them. Help reframe power and influence through an ethical lens.

🔗 Bonus Resources

Here is how you can learn even more:

📚 Book: Secrets to Winning at Office Politics by Marie G. McIntyre

🎥 TED Talk: Why being respectful to your coworkers is good for business by Christine Porath

🎥 TED Talk: Dare to Disagree by Margaret Heffernan

📑 Article: "You Can't Sit Out Office Politics" by Niven Postma

🎙️ Podcast: How to Master Office Politics Without Compromising Your Values

Power flows whether you participate or not. The only question is: Will you shape the current or let it carry you wherever it goes? Start today: hit reply and tell me what you plan to do and what questions you might have.