Office politics has a bad reputation.
The phrase instantly conjures up eye-rolls, passive-aggressive emails, and backroom deals. But here’s the truth: office politics aren’t always toxic. Sometimes, they’re just reality. And if you’re a good manager, you can’t afford to ignore them. In fact, steering clear of office politics entirely can leave your team unprotected, your influence limited, and your leadership effectiveness watered down. Instead of dodging them, smart managers learn to navigate them with integrity and strategy. Here are five office politics you can’t avoid as a manager, and how to handle them like a pro.
1. The Power Dynamics Between Departments
Cross-functional tension is real. Marketing thinks Sales overpromises. Product thinks Engineering drags their feet. Sales thinks Marketing is out of touch. And somehow, you’re in the middle of it all.
You can’t ignore interdepartmental dynamics and hope they smooth themselves out. As a manager, you have to play diplomat. That means building relationships with other department heads, understanding their priorities, and helping your team do the same.
Leadership tip: Instead of venting about another team, coach your team to focus on shared goals. Use language like, “Let’s try to understand where they’re coming from so we can move forward faster.”
2. Who Gets Credit (and Who Doesn’t)
Let’s say your team pulled off a huge win. But at the all-hands meeting, your boss gives the credit to someone else. Ouch. That stings, and it happens more than people like to admit. Good managers pay attention to who’s getting credit and who’s getting left behind. Then they speak up. Advocating for your team isn’t bragging, it’s leadership. Making your and your team’s work visible is part of the job.
Leadership tip: Be specific and vocal about your team’s contributions in meetings, emails, and presentations. You’re protecting morale and retention.
3. The Unofficial Influencers
Every workplace has them: the people who don’t have big titles but have big sway. They know everyone, they’re looped into everything, and their opinion carries weight. Sometimes more than your own. Ignoring these unofficial influencers is a mistake. Instead, connect with them. Understand what matters to them. Build trust. They can be powerful allies or major roadblocks, depending on how you manage the relationship.
Leadership tip: Don’t underestimate the “culture carriers.” Invite them into conversations early, especially during change management or big shifts.
4. The High-Performer with a Bad Attitude
Every manager eventually runs into that employee: the one who produces results but leaves a trail of destruction. They might be rude, dismissive, or just plain toxic, but senior leadership loves their numbers. This is one of the trickiest office politics to navigate. If you crack down too hard, you look like you can’t handle a “high performer.” But if you let it slide, you erode trust on your team.
Leadership tip: Document behavior, set expectations, and bring in HR early. Make sure you have support from leadership to manage effectively, then focus on building a team culture where collaboration is valued just as much as output.
5. Who Has Access to Leadership (and Who Doesn’t)
Ever notice how some people always seem to be on the calendar of the VP? Or they get looped into the “informal” meetings before decisions are made? This isn’t just about visibility, it’s about opportunity. If your team is left out of those backchannels, they’re at a disadvantage. And so are you.
Leadership tip: Get strategic about visibility. Invite senior leaders to observe team presentations. Advocate for your direct reports to lead key projects. Don’t wait to be invited into rooms. Position your team to walk in confidently.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be Political—Be Strategic
Being a good manager doesn’t mean becoming a political operator. But it does mean being aware of the dynamics around you and making smart, values-driven choices about how to respond. Ignoring office politics won’t protect your team. Learning to navigate them with authenticity is how you lead from any seat. So don’t play dirty, but don’t play naive either. Leadership is a contact sport, and the best managers know when to lean in and when to push back.
Consulting | Coaching | Communicating 