The Truth About Managing People, Third Edition

Truth 30. Successful Leaders Are Politically Adept

When people in organizations convert their power into action, we describe them as engaged in politics. Those with good political skills have the ability to use their power bases effectively. And effective leaders know how to be politically adept.

Politics refers to those activities that are not required as part of an individual’s formal role but that influence, or attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the organization. Politicking is outside your specified job requirements. And it includes a wide range of behaviors—including building relationships with people inside and outside the organization who can provide useful information or assistance, avoiding ...