119. Office Politics: How to Build Influence at Work Without Being Fake

Office politics is not optional. It is the job if you want director-level and above. Ignore it, and you stay the hardest working person in the room with the least control over what gets decided.

This episode breaks down office politics the way high performers actually need it explained: not gossip or brown-nosing, but influence, stakeholder management, and reputation. Kendall walks you through the three parts that quietly run every organization: conflict management, so another team or a rival does not quietly take ownership of your work; collaboration, so the people who shape decisions are aligned with you early; and reputation, so your name keeps opening doors. You will also learn how to spot power centers that do not match the org chart, and why the meeting is never the first place your idea should be introduced. Pre-wire first, then present.

And if you want to do this without feeling fake, Kendall makes it simple. Follow through builds trust faster than charisma. One-on-ones create allies before you need favors. Give your team credit out loud and protect them from getting thrown into senior leadership too early. That is what real influence looks like when you have integrity.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why does avoiding office politics keep you stuck in middle management?

• How do I find the real power centers at work that influence decisions?

• What is the best way to pre-wire stakeholders before a big meeting?

• How do I push back respectfully without damaging my reputation?

• How can leaders build trust and influence through one-on-ones and follow through?

What's one "corporate game" rule you've learned the hard way?

🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: https://stan.store/thatcareercoach/p/get-started-with-my-play-the-corporate-game-course

About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg

Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress.

☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let's talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Book your Coffee Chat → https://calendly.com/thatcareercoach/15-min-follow-up

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Watch on YouTube:@thatcareercoach_