How to play office politics, and win

In the corporate world, talent and hard work are essential, but they are not always sufficient to guarantee career advancement. 

Navigating office politics often becomes the deciding factor between those who climb the corporate ladder and those who remain stagnant.

Alex Kamau, a Human Resource Practitioner, emphasizes the significant role office politics play in workplace dynamics. 

"Office politics involve understanding who holds influence, the unspoken rules, and how interpersonal dynamics impact your role and career trajectory. It’s important to note that office politics are not inherently good or bad," he explains.

Kamau highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism, avoiding gossip, and developing effective communication skills as key strategies for successfully navigating office politics. 

He advises that for those who prefer to avoid engaging in office politics, it’s crucial to focus on being a high performer. 

"Consistently delivering exceptional results can help you rise above office politics. High performers are often seen as invaluable assets to any organization," he notes. 

However, he cautions against remaining in toxic environments, even as a top performer.

To manage workplace political dynamics, Kamau suggests observing behaviours and identifying patterns. 

"Recognizing and understanding these behaviours and dealing with individuals thoughtfully and wisely can make a big difference," he says.

While it’s normal to dislike office politics, Kamau warns against ignoring them entirely. 

"Ignoring office politics doesn’t shield you from the drama. It might make you a target because office politics exist everywhere," he explains.

Kamau advises employees to strike a balance. "Focusing too much on politics can negatively impact your performance. It’s essential to remain focused on your work while being mindful of the political dynamics around you," he says.

He notes that it's important to trust your intuition while navigating organizational politics since intuition can reveal subtle cues and guide ethical decisions, boosting confidence and authenticity.

He also advises that one should build alliances by taking time to understand your colleagues’ strengths, motivations, and challenges.