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The Benefits of Office Politics

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The Benefits of Office Politics

‘Playing the game’ at work isn’t necessarily a bad thing; you can be both political and principled

AB Magazine,

5 min read
4 take-aways
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What's inside?

If your politically savvy colleagues are outmaneuvering you at work, learn how to play the game.

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7

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Recommendation

Do your colleagues land more plum assignments than you do? Do your talents get overlooked? Are you tired of watching your less-capable co-workers get promoted because they schmooze with the boss? You might loathe the term “office politics,” but maybe it’s time to start playing the game. Chartered psychologist Rob Yeung explains that leveraging office politics doesn’t have to mean using underhanded tactics or backstabbing others to get ahead.

Summary

Employees who exhibit strong political skills reap personal rewards.

Office politics is a divisive topic. While most people view politicking as an underhanded, scheming behavior, a small minority view it as a useful tool for productivity and personal advancement. The minority has a point: Several research studies have proven that the benefits of political maneuvering in the workplace are manifold. An in-depth analysis of the data by Liam Maher at Boise State University, for example, found that subjects who exhibited higher political skills boasted better job performance, lower workplace stress, and more frequent promotions and pay rises.

Political skill is defined as “the ability to understand stakeholders effectively and to use such...

About the Author

Rob Yeung is a chartered psychologist and a coach at Talentspace, a leadership consultancy.

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