Is Ignoring Workplace Politics Holding You Back?

During my one on one sessions I often ask clients how good they are at navigating corporate politics. Most people immediately pull back. The word politics brings discomfort and negativity. Yet workplace politics is real. It is simply human behavior. It is influence. It is power. When you ignore it you give away your own power.

The High Cost of Staying Invisible

I once coached an executive at a nonprofit who delivered strong results each year. Her team respected her. Her performance reviews were positive. Yet she kept getting passed over for promotion while others with less experience moved ahead.

She had always believed that politics was unnecessary. She thought her work should speak for itself. But by staying away from the informal networks and conversations where decisions were shaped, she made herself invisible.

This reminded me of something I had shared earlier in my blog on how patience and strategy create long term success. In that article, I wrote that growth requires more than consistent effort. It also requires understanding the environment around you.

Hard Work Alone Is Not Enough

When we explored her situation further, one truth became clear. Hard work is not always seen. You must know how to speak about your work, and you must allow others to speak about you.

Many people avoid this because they feel uncomfortable drawing attention to themselves. In another earlier blog titled why leadership is more than just hard work, I spoke about the fact that leadership demands presence and communication, not just competence. My client had the competence. What she lacked was visibility.

How to Build Influence Without Losing Yourself

I encouraged her to begin with small and steady shifts. None of these required manipulation. They required awareness.

Some of the steps she took were:

• She reached out to peers in other departments for information catch ups

• She began sharing her team’s achievements to highlight their collective impact

• She paid attention to who made decisions and who influenced those discussions

• She observed how she was being spoken about when she was not present

These actions helped her understand the environment she once avoided. Over time she began to stand out. People noticed her leadership. She was promoted to a director role not because she changed who she was but because she learned how to navigate the workplace with intelligence and confidence.

The Question You Must Ask Yourself

Where are you waiting for your work to speak when it is actually time for you to speak for your work. This question determines your growth.

Most people hear the term workplace politics and immediately think of gossip or favoritism. That is not the conversation we are having here. The real truth is that every workplace has its own social structure. Those who understand it move forward. Those who ignore it stay stuck.

Remember: Silence does not build careers. Awareness does. Influence does. Your work matters. Your visibility matters just as much.

Your Good Friend and Coach

Payal Nanjiani

Have a question for me? Send it to success@payalnanjiani.com or DM me on Instagram @payalnanjiani. I would love to hear from you.