Influence and persuasion aren’t just about convincing others—they’re about fostering alignment and commitment, building trust, and guiding teams toward achieving organizational goals.

Navigating office politics is a key intermediate management skill that helps leaders build alliances, manage conflicts, and foster collaboration—all without compromising their integrity. In this article, we will explore what office politics really are, why they are unavoidable in any organization, and how managers can use political savvy to positively influence their workplace.