Political games within organizations are a complex and delicate concept. They can influence power dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and, most importantly, decision-making.

These political games are considered a slippery slope and many leaders refuse or find it difficult to get on board.

Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of these managers to better understand their position.

How Do They Tend to Act?

Oppose and Face

The political game is human, and no one has ever been able to stop it within an organization. The more it is confronted, the more it manifests itself through uncontrolled informal networks.

Isolate Themselves

By avoiding getting involved and understanding the internal dynamics of influence, some professionals position themselves apart and prefer to remain in the shadows and work behind the scenes.

Get Involved Awkwardly

Some leaders may be unaware of the political battle, leading them to act on intuition or even improvise. They underestimate the importance of building influence strategies that would increase their chances of professional success.

How Do They Feel?

Disapointed

Those with an idealistic view of leadership may feel disappointed when they see political practices that they consider manipulative and unethical and that contradict their values of transparency and merit.

Surprised

Leaders who are unfamiliar with political strategies may be shocked and overwhelmed by the maneuvering and intrigue unfolding around them.

Frustrated

By focusing only on more concrete aspects of their role, some leaders may feel disconnected and neglected; this can lead to frustration with a gap between their expectations of being listened to and the reality of the effort required to be heard.

In Conflict

Accumulated frustration with political practices that some leaders consider questionable may lead them to denounce them, creating tension and conflict with other key actors within the organization.

What are the consequences?

Missing Opportunities

By ignoring political games, leaders risk missing out on career development opportunities, interesting projects, or recognition for their performance.

Falling into inefficiency

Failure to understand decision-making dynamics, factors influencing buy-in, or the needs of other stakeholders can lead to operational inefficiency and divergence in actions.

Being Rejected by the System

Leaders who remain on the sidelines of political games risk not being seen as influential players in the strategic dynamics of the organization.

It is therefore essential that leaders find a balance between their aversion to political games and the need to navigate these environments ethically to succeed in their role.

Political sense and influence strategies: they can be learned!