A few years ago, our Head of Marketing went on leave and put me charge as her relief officer, as usual. I got her handover notes, locked in, and focused on closing out all pending departmental tasks alongside my own.
Now, here’s some context: I’m a quiet, languid person by nature. As a creative at the core, I live (and work) mostly in my head. So even when I’m deeply engaged, I tend to look chill, earphones in, focused, and low-key. I don’t make a fuss. I get on with things and send updates when I’m done.
But here’s the thing: that body language can be misleading.
When my manager resumed, the feedback I got was scathing. It felt like I’d done nothing, even though every single task had been ticked off. Why? Because I hadn’t engaged the CEO on what was happening. I didn’t seek alignment. I didn’t carry her along. I had focused on execution only, not expectation.
I held on to that lesson because it taught me that while not ‘bothering people’ because you think they’re busy is important, overlooking their engagement preference can have serious consequences.
The following year, when my manager was on leave again, I switched up. This time, I was bumper-to-bumper with the CEO: running major ideas by her, sharing suggestions, syncing frequently. When my manager returned, the feedback was completely different.
That experience taught me something I’ll never forget: You don’t have to play dirty to get ahead, but you do have to read the room and know what your key stakeholders need.
So, even if you hate feeling like you’re playing office politics, here are 5 things you should do:
- Spotlight Your Boss Nicely
Learn what makes your boss look good, then help them do it. Do they love clean data? Getting requested information and documents a day before the deadline? Public praise? Whatever it is, align your support accordingly. It’s not ass-kissing but an attitude that helps you build trust and leverage you can cash in when you need it.
- Make Your Value Visible
Your work might speak for itself, but it may be whispering. Sometimes, CC your boss or key stakeholders on important updates. Don’t wait for your manager to report it at their exco meeting as one of the business-as-usual activities if you’ve just delivered on a key initiative. Own your narrative. It’s a subtle way to remind people you’re delivering, without looking like a show-off.
- Agree in public, negotiate privately
You may not win every battle in the moment, and while nobody wants to watch a public sparring match, a simple, “I see what you’re getting at, let’s chat more later,” works wonders. For senior people, you can approach them by saying, “I have some thoughts on what you mentioned during the meeting…” This can save you and your idea.
- Keep Your Cool
Disagree with respect, stay insightful, and keep your tone calm. You won’t necessarily be a doormat for not blowing your fuse. People may forget what you said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. Staying steady under pressure earns you points while raising your voice does the opposite.
- Avoid Making ‘I Quit’ Jokes
It may just be banter, but even casual quitting jokes can plant seeds of doubt about your commitment. Stay positive and rooted until you’re genuinely ready to go; don’t make people wonder if you’ve mentally checked out.
Instead, say, “Don’t let them sack me.” Just like an old colleague used to.
In conclusion, ignoring office dynamics doesn’t make you noble. Know the rules. Stay authentic and protect your influence without losing yourself in the mud.
