Corporate Politics. Is it Worth It?

I was sitting across from a client when he leaned in and said, “Don’t get to be my age and regret the choices you made.” Years ago, I was working in investment banking, helping my client create an investment strategy for a rollover IRA. As we talked, he pointed toward a nearby group of retirees, sipping coffee and animatedly debating something.

He said, “See those guys? They go to the gas station every morning, grab their coffee, and complain about their lives. Don’t end up like them.”

That moment stayed with me.

I remember thinking, “I don’t want to be like them.” And right then, I made a quiet promise: I would live a life with no regrets and not let fear make my decisions.

Since then, I’ve shaped my life and leadership around the 4Ls: life, leadership, love, and learning. They’ve become my compass, helping me choose meaning, growth, challenge, and joy.

That’s why Golda Meir’s quote hits so deeply. It reminds me to:

1. Trust yourself.

2. Create a life you’re proud to live.

3. Make decisions that align with your values—even when fear shows up.

Today, I feel deeply grateful to love my work, serve and support others, and grow every day.

When Good Leaders Say, “I’m Just Not Political…”

I talk to high-performing leaders who want to make a meaningful daily difference. They want to influence, not manipulate. They want to get promoted, but not “play games.” They want to lead with impact—without compromising who they are.

Golda’s wisdom is more than a quote—it’s a leadership principle.

The truth is, we’re always tested to compete, to conform to “play the game.” But if you lose yourself in the process… Was it really worth it? Many of us wrestle with this tension:

Can I stay true to myself and still advance—without playing politics?

Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t just about what you achieve. It’s about who you become while you achieve it.

When You’ve Done Everything “Right” — And Still Get Passed Over

On paper, Adam had it all:

• Led successful turnarounds

• Built loyal, high-performing teams

• Delivered results that exceeded expectations

Respected by his peers, admired by his team, and “next in line” for Regional President—or so his boss had said. But the promotion never came. The goalposts kept moving. And what started as frustration slowly turned into doubt.

“Maybe I should’ve played the game.” “Maybe they’re right.” “Maybe I’ve hit my ceiling.”

This wasn’t just about ambition—it was about identity.

Adam had given his best for years and was now wondering what it was all for. And then he said something I’ve heard from so many leaders:

“I guess I’m just not political.”

What That Phrase Means

When someone says, “I’m not political,” here’s what I hear:

• “I want to lead with integrity.”

• “I value honesty and transparency.”

• “I don’t want to play games.”

• “I want my work to speak for itself.”

And I deeply respect that. But here’s what I’ve learned from working with hundreds of leaders:

You need political acumen—even if you’re not “playing politics.”

Because without it... You’re invisible.

The Difference Between Being Political and Having Political Savvy

Political Savvy Chart

How Adam Changed—Without Compromising His Values

Adam didn’t change who he was. He changed how he showed up.

He started to:

• Build quiet alliances across departments

• Speak in strategic language—not just tactical updates

• Use storytelling to highlight the impact of his work

• Reframe himself as a strategic executive, not just a fixer

He stopped waiting to be noticed. He began to own his value.

If You’re Dealing With Politics Right Now…

If you’ve ever been passed over because of “politics,” here’s what I want you to remember:

1. Don’t Let Silence Define You

Just because your name isn’t being said in the promotion room doesn’t mean you don’t belong there. Start owning and sharing your career impact narrative.

Ask: “What story am I believing about myself that no longer serves me?”

2. It’s Not About Politics—It’s About Relevance

Executives don’t always see your value unless you show them. Start connecting your work to enterprise priorities:

• Growth

• Risk

• Scale

• Culture

• Sustainability

Don’t just share how you hit KPIs. Explain how your solutions position the company for future success. That’s not politics. That’s strategic relevance.

3. Political Savvy = Visibility With Purpose

You already know how to build trusted relationships. Now widen your circle.

A few ideas:

• Mentor across functions. Learn how your work intersects. Offer insight or support.

• Speak in soundbites. Connect your daily work to enterprise goals in 15 seconds or less when you're with execs.

• Position your impact. Focus on the value, not just the actions.

Political savvy isn’t manipulation. It’s being visible—on purpose.

Final Thought: You Can Lead With Integrity, Heart, and Acumen

You don’t have to chase a title. But you do need to show up like someone who already holds it. You don’t have to compromise your values. But you do need to lead with strategic awareness.

“To be a good leader, you have to want the other guy to have success.” — Golda Meir

That’s the kind of leadership we need more of. That’s the kind of leader I believe in.

Don’t wait to be discovered.  Be seen on purpose. And trust: You can rise—without leaving yourself behind.

If This Resonated With You…

I invite you to join me for the next Executive Path Masterclass—a free 60-minute session on July 10, 2025, at 11 am, where we explore:

✅ How to shift perception without selling out 

✅ How to be seen as a strategic leader 

✅ How to grow influence with integrity—not ego

Save Your Spot – and discover how to build executive presence without playing the game.

Susan Robertson, Executive Coach | Founder, Linceis Conscious Business