The Politics of Leadership: Navigating Power Struggles

The Politics of Leadership: Navigating Power Struggles

By Mark Wager

Leadership isn’t just about vision, communication, or decision-making—it’s also about power. Whether we like it or not, leadership is inherently political. While the term “office politics” often carries negative connotations, it reflects a simple truth: wherever there are people, there are power dynamics. These dynamics are rarely visible on the surface but play a profound role in shaping how decisions are made, who is heard, and who is left out.

As a leadership coach, I’ve seen many talented leaders stumble—not because they lacked ability or motivation, but because they misunderstood or ignored the political nature of leadership. They either tried to avoid it altogether or became consumed by it, losing their authenticity in the process. The key is not to reject politics, but to learn how to navigate it without compromising your values or integrity.

Understanding the Hidden Politics of Leadership

Power in organisations doesn’t always flow along formal reporting lines. Often, influence lies in informal networks, long-standing relationships, or shared histories. It’s not uncommon for an individual with no managerial title to have more sway over team direction than the official leader. Politics in this context isn’t about manipulation—it’s about understanding who holds influence, how decisions are really made, and what’s driving the behaviours of those around you.

There are three hidden dynamics that frequently shape the political landscape of leadership:

1. Allegiances – People form alliances, sometimes based on shared values, other times based on personal gain. These can be overt or hidden, but they affect how work flows and how conflict is resolved.
2. Perception vs Reality – In many organisations, how you’re perceived matters as much as what you actually do. Politics thrives in perception. You may have made the right call, but if it’s misunderstood or misrepresented, the consequences can be significant.
3. Self-Preservation – Many power struggles stem from fear—fear of irrelevance, demotion, or being overlooked. Leaders who threaten the status quo will often encounter resistance not because of their ideas, but because of what they represent: change, and therefore risk.

If you want to lead effectively, you can’t ignore these forces. But nor do you need to become manipulative to succeed.

Navigating Office Politics Without Losing Your Integrity

The goal is not to “win” office politics but to engage with it consciously, with your values intact. It’s about playing the game without becoming the game. Here’s how.

Stay Clear on Your Values

Every leader needs an internal compass. Without it, you risk being swept away by the shifting tides of influence and agendas. Clarify what you stand for—whether it’s transparency, fairness, innovation, or loyalty—and let that guide your decisions. When people know what you stand for, even your critics will respect your consistency.

In my coaching sessions, I often ask leaders to define their “non-negotiables”—the lines they will not cross, no matter the circumstance. This clarity becomes your anchor when political pressures rise.

Build Relationships, Not Alliance

There’s a difference between cultivating relationships and forming political alliances. The former is based on mutual respect and trust; the latter often relies on conditional loyalty and self-interest. Focus on connecting with people as individuals, not as stepping stones to power.

Find common ground with people across different departments, ranks, and perspectives. Listen more than you speak. Show genuine curiosity about what matters to them. Over time, you’ll build a reputation as someone who is fair and balanced, and this becomes your greatest asset in a political environment.

Never Undervalue Emotional Intelligence

Politics is ultimately about people. And people are emotional beings. Developing your emotional intelligence—especially your ability to manage your own emotions and understand the feelings of others—is a key political skill.

Sometimes the most political thing you can do is pause before you speak. Ask yourself: What’s really going on here? What’s driving this person’s resistance? What are they afraid of losing? When you can see beyond the words to the underlying emotions, you gain insight others miss—and that gives you an edge.

Manage Your Personal Brand

You may dislike self-promotion, but visibility matters. In political environments, the narrative around you often shapes opportunities more than your performance. So, you must actively manage how you’re perceived without being inauthentic.

Share your successes, but tie them to the team’s achievements. Let people know what you’re working on and how it contributes to the organisation’s goals. Be seen, not as someone trying to grab power, but as someone making a difference. The goal is to be respected, not feared.

Don’t Get Drawn Into Every Battle

Not every hill is worth dying on. One of the biggest mistakes I see in emerging leaders is the belief that they must win every argument or correct every misstep. Sometimes, stepping back is more powerful than charging forward.

Ask yourself: Does this issue align with my core purpose? Is it worth the political capital I’ll spend? Can I influence this behind the scenes instead? Strategic patience is not weakness—it’s wisdom.

Dealing with Fixed Mindsets

One of the most frustrating aspects of leadership is dealing with people who seem stuck—those who resist change, dismiss new ideas, or undermine progress. These fixed mindsets are often deeply rooted in fear: fear of failure, fear of being left behind, or fear of losing control.

Here’s how to deal with them effectively:

Lead with Empathy, Not Frustration

It’s tempting to write people off as stubborn or outdated, but doing so only deepens the divide. Instead, try to understand what’s behind their resistance. Ask questions. Invite their input. Show that you respect their experience, even if you disagree with their conclusions.

Sometimes, what looks like resistance is really a plea to be heard.

Provide Evidence, Not Opinion

Fixed mindsets are rarely moved by motivational speeches. They’re more likely to respond to data, results, and real-world examples. If you’re proposing change, show them how it has worked elsewhere. Break the change down into manageable steps, and offer support along the way.

Help them see the benefits rather than tell them what they should believe.

Celebrate Small Wins

Shifting a fixed mindset is a long game. Look for small victories—changes in behaviour, openness to new ideas, or even a reduction in complaints—and celebrate them. Positive reinforcement can help rewire how people see themselves and what they believe is possible.

Over time, fixed mindsets can become flexible ones, especially when people feel safe to grow.

Staying Authentic in a Political Environment

The more political your environment becomes, the more important it is to remain authentic. But authenticity doesn’t mean saying whatever you think, whenever you think it. It means aligning your actions with your values, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Here are a few practical strategies:

Create a “Core Message”

Have a consistent message that underpins your leadership—something that reflects your values and purpose. When people hear this message repeated in different contexts, it builds trust. It becomes your brand.

For example, one leader I coached always came back to “we win as a team.” Whether in meetings, interviews, or emails, she found a way to reinforce that message. Over time, it became her identity within the organisation—and a powerful counterbalance to the more self-serving voices around her.

Know When to Speak Up

There will be times when your silence will be interpreted as agreement. Authentic leaders don’t avoid difficult conversations—they engage with them, thoughtfully and respectfully. Learn how to challenge without attacking. Use “I” statements to express your viewpoint, and invite others to do the same.

A well-timed, respectful challenge can shift a conversation and earn respect—even from your political opponents.

Reflect Regularly

The more noise there is around you, the more you need moments of silence. Take time to reflect. Ask yourself: Am I still being true to who I am? Have I compromised in ways that don’t sit well with me? What can I do to course-correct?

Leadership is not about being perfect. It’s about being aware, and willing to adjust when you stray from the path.

Power Without Purpose Is Hollow

Politics is not inherently bad—it’s neutral. It becomes toxic only when power is pursued without purpose. As a leader, your challenge is to navigate these power dynamics with integrity, humility, and clarity.

You will face struggles. You’ll encounter people who play games, who undermine, who deceive. But you also have a choice: to be the leader who rises above it—not by ignoring politics, but by engaging with it in a way that leaves your character intact.

Great leaders don’t just survive political environments—they transform them. Not by shouting the loudest, but by standing firm in who they are. In doing so, they remind everyone around them that integrity is not a weakness—it’s the greatest source of strength a leader can have.