Politics matter. In everything. In every organization.

By Sandra Oliver

Most people hate politics, or say they do. But politics matter. They always have. Hating politics is fruitless. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because it seems many senior people are going through a lot of change. And some have done great work without receiving the requisite recognition.

In fact, politics are increasing in importance rather than decreasing because companies are expanding in size and complexity. Leaders must manage more complex stakeholders including investors, as well as heightened public and employee expectations, and broader and more complex issues like Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and Environmental, Social and Governance.

You have to get results and manage the politics

So it’s not enough to be good. You have to be good and manage the politics. If you’re good, but the people who provide resources and make pay and promotion decisions don’t see you as good, you can’t be successful. In fact, you aren’t good enough. You have to get results and manage the politics. And if people don’t know that you’re good because you haven’t “played politics”,  it’s unlikely you’ll obtain the recognition you’d like for you or your team.

As coaches, we often remind people to think about all their stakeholders. I’m often struck by how many people can’t rhyme off a list of the people who most matter to their success and their team’s success. They have to think about everyone – not just their boss, but also the people who influence their boss – their boss’s boss, etc. And for senior people it’s the Board, the regulators, the public, etc.

And politics are important, regardless of level. I’ve given this advice to 21- and 24-year-old  kids and their friends as they navigate their first real jobs – and I’ve given the same advice to CEOs of very large companies. Everyone should have their list of stakeholders and actively manage it.

Why do people neglect politics?

Why are politics so easy to forget or dismiss? People are busy and get focused on the work, and politics are seen as an annoyance or extra effort. Politics are also often seen as negative and not many people want to be seen as political. But politics are really not negative. At their best, politics are about getting things done and advocating for yourself, your company and your team. They’re about building relationships with the right people in the right way.

My advice is:

• Reframe your approach to politics. See them as necessary parts of your leadership responsibilities.
• Think through the politics first and then focus on the work.
• Always have a good stakeholder list, preferably written down somewhere.
• Plan and think through your approach with each player on that list.
• Share your list and your approaches with your mentor or coach to get feedback.

After all, the way people see you is as important as the work you do. Perception is reality. Thinking through politics and addressing it with intention not only benefits you, it benefits your team and your organization. And it will probably get you that big job you covet.