A review by jeffpowell
Secrets to Winning at Office Politics: How to Achieve Your Goals and Increase Your Influence at Work by Marie G. McIntyre

5.0

I was surprised at how much I liked this book and resonated with the advice it gave. Marie did well to contribute a counterbalance to the traditional negative connotation to the word “politics” as it pertains to navigating the complex web of work relationships around you. Her example stories were relatable, believable, and illustrative of the particular points she was making. The sections that focused on actions you should take were approachable and memorable.

My main drawback is that I felt she often left the reader with only one option in the face of political difficulty at work: to leave the company and find work elsewhere. Certainly, that is the best option in many of those situations she highlighted. However, I feel it wasn’t necessarily the only option available in other situations she highlighted. Regardless, I’m sure politically savvy folks will more accurately calculate leverage potential and make a good choice for themselves—especially after reading this book.

My main takeaways of the book mostly come from Part 1: focusing on leverage rather than fairness, accepting the “organizational facts of life,” and increasing results, knowledge, attitude, empathy, networks, inclusion, and detachment to increase your political leverage.