HANNAH BATES: Welcome to HBR on Leadership, case studies and conversations with the world’s top business and management experts, hand-selected to help you unlock the best in those around you.
When you hear “office politics,” what comes to mind? Perhaps someone hoarding information or taking credit for others’ work. The stereotypes around office politics often involve negative behavior. However, as a leader, understanding and navigating organizational politics is essential without compromising your principles or authenticity.
Today, we delve into a conversation on becoming more politically savvy at work with organizational psychologist Madeleine Wyatt and a guest struggling with politics in a management consulting firm.
This episode focuses on mastering three key skills: apparent sincerity, networking, and interpersonal influence.
This episode originally aired on Women at Work in January 2023 as part of a series called “The Essentials.” Let’s get started.
AMY BERNSTEIN: I became aware of office politics early in my career when I noticed colleagues who ingratiated themselves with the boss receiving better assignments. Initially, I found their behavior unprofessional and off-putting. However, I realized I needed to make genuine connections with higher-ups to advance without compromising my integrity. Being politically savvy is essential, but it doesn’t mean resorting to bad behavior.
MADELEINE WYATT: Many professionals reach a career plateau due to not understanding office politics. It goes beyond formal systems and requires skills like apparent sincerity, networking, and interpersonal influence.
JESS: I navigate two sides of politics in consulting and struggle with building external client relationships. I adopted a certain persona to fit in, but worry it limits my potential.
AMY BERNSTEIN: Women at Work focuses on helping women navigate the complexities of workplace politics. Authenticity is key, even in politically charged environments.
MADELEINE WYATT: Authenticity is a crucial political skill, along with networking, interpersonal influence, and social astuteness. They work together to enhance career outcomes and job satisfaction.
JESS: I’m interested in developing social astuteness and maintaining authenticity in a male-dominated industry.
MADELEINE WYATT: Building political capital is about reputation and relationships. It requires effort and time to cultivate allies who can advocate for you.
JESS: I want to improve my networking with female clients and junior colleagues, realizing that politics isn’t just about advancing upwards but also building lateral relationships.
AMY BERNSTEIN: Office politics is about everyday interactions rather than big power plays. Building connections and understanding dynamics is key to success.
Madeleine Wyatt: Changing company culture and promoting inclusivity are vital for leadership. Developing political skills can lead to career advancement in a positive and inclusive manner.
AMY BERNSTEIN: Jess and Maddie, thank you for this insightful conversation. It’s been enlightening. HANNAH BATES: You just heard a conversation on leadership from Women at Work with organizational psychologist Madeleine Wyatt and Jess, a management consultant. Stay tuned for more leadership insights from the Harvard Business Review.
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This episode was produced by a dedicated team and music by Coma Media. Special thanks to everyone involved. See you next time!
