Wherever there are people and limited resources, office politics emerge.

Organizational politics often gets a bad reputation, conjuring images of backroom deals or favoritism. In reality, politics is simply the informal way people seek to influence decisions and advance interests. It includes forming alliances, lobbying for ideas, and sometimes competing for power.

Savvy leaders accept that politics is part of organizational life – the key is navigating it ethically and effectively.

Consider a scenario where two departments want the same budget dollars for different projects. Beyond formal proposals, managers might rally support from key influencers or make a case informally to executives over coffee. That’s politics in action. It can be healthy when it encourages debate and creative problem-solving, or unhealthy when it devolves into personal agendas at the organization’s expense.

For leaders, the goal isn’t to eliminate politics (an impossible task) but to shine a light on it.

Recognize the informal networks and interest groups at play. Who are the decision influencers? What are their concerns? By understanding the political landscape, you can communicate more persuasively and build genuine coalitions. The best performers don’t avoid office politics; they approach it with integrity. They make sure their initiatives align with broader goals and seek win-win outcomes. In short, politics can be a positive force when steered by transparency and purpose rather than ego.