Leadership Is Deeply Political

As women, we are often taught that if we work hard enough, we will someday earn our place at the
table. The message is simple: merit will finally be recognized, and eventually, we will be rewarded for
our effort.

But the truth is, getting a seat at the table does not always correlate with performance alone. In fact, the
way we navigate the political landscape within a company often plays just as big a role in determining
who succeeds.

Yet, many women equate company politics with manipulation, power plays, or favoritism. So they avoid
“company politics” to keep their integrity intact, without realizing that by doing so, they are opting out of
influence.

When women shy away from this space, they inadvertently exclude themselves from the key
conversations where important decisions are made.

The truth is, every decision that affects people – from who gets hired, promoted, or included in key
conversations to which projects get funding – is political. Leadership in any organization is inherently
about power dynamics, relationships, and strategic influence.

The political aspect of leadership is not about playing games.

It is about understanding these power dynamics, building trust, and communicating effectively with various stakeholders. Choosing to be “political” means learning how to operate with strategic awareness – making sure your voice and perspective are heard without compromising authenticity.

In the end, leadership is not about who shouts the loudest or claims the most power.

It is about who listens, aligns, and moves the room – even when the door is closed. It is about making decisions with integrity, fostering connections, and influencing outcomes in ways that stay true to who you are. And it is about recognizing that leadership is inherently political, but does not have to be dirty.