Five questions to help you take control (without selling your soul).
Many professionals tell themselves:
“I don’t do politics.”
And yet… politics is doing them.
Behind the scenes, decisions get made. Agendas move forward.
Opportunities appear—or vanish—based on relationships, influence, and power dynamics.
Here’s the truth:
If you ignore office politics, you’re giving away your power—and often to people less skilled or ethical than you.
You don’t need to play dirty.
But you do need to play smart.
Here are five questions to help you take control:
1. Do you understand the power dynamics around you?
Who really makes the decisions?
Who influences them behind the scenes?
2. Whose agendas matter most—and how do you fit in?
Do you know what key players want?
Are you supporting—or threatening—their priorities?
3. What’s your current reputation?
Are you seen as valuable, or just… useful?
Do people listen when you speak, or only when they need something?
4. Are you engaging with the right people—or avoiding conflict?
Playing it safe often means staying invisible.
Who are you not engaging with because it feels difficult?
5. Are you being deliberate—or reactive?
Do you have a strategy for influence, or are you just hoping to be noticed?
Answer these honestly, and you’ll start to see where you’re in control—and where you’re exposed.
Because here’s what happens when you learn to navigate politics effectively and ethically:
- You get noticed for the right reasons.
- You shape decisions—rather than being shaped by them.
- You move projects forward faster—with fewer roadblocks.
- And you gain respect as someone who knows how to get things done.
Politics isn’t the problem.
Not understanding politics is.
The good news?
You can take control—without losing your integrity, or seeling your soul!
The Gautrey Influence Blog
Ever felt overlooked, unheard, or stuck in office politics? You’re not alone. The Gautrey Influence Blog breaks down the real-world strategies behind leadership, influence, and power—giving you the tools to be heard, respected, and successful. Join 35,000+ professionals getting ahead the smart way—subscribe now..
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