Yes, Workplace Politics Are a Game—Here’s How to Play Without Losing Yourself

Let’s just go ahead and say it: workplace politics are real.

And yes—whether we like it or not—it’s a game.

I know some of you are probably already rolling your eyes, thinking, “Cari, I don’t want to play games at work.”

Trust me, I get it. I know what employers should be doing. I know what fair should look like. But I also know that should and reality don’t always line up.

Here’s the truth: sometimes you have to work with the hand you’ve been dealt—until you’re able to find a new dealer. That means you’ve got to be clear, intentional, and strategic about how you move in the environments you're in right now.

Because here’s what we’re not going to do:

We’re not going to sit in frustration, waiting on people to notice our hard work.

We’re not going to keep burning energy fighting battles that aren’t ours.

And we’re not going to keep shrinking just to avoid being “political.”

Let me give you an example. Think about professional athletes—basketball players in particular. They don’t like every call a referee makes. They don’t agree with every play their coach runs. And they definitely don’t enjoy sitting on the bench longer than they think they should. But you know what? They adapt. They stay focused on the long game. Because this is how they feed their families. This is how they build their legacy. They can’t switch teams every time they feel frustrated. What they can do is change the play. Move differently. Stay ready.

The same applies to us. No, your workplace may not be perfect. Your manager may not be a great communicator. Your organization may have bias baked into how promotions are decided. I’m not dismissing any of that. I’m saying—until you have the power to change those systems, you have to decide how you are going to show up. That means knowing when to speak up, when to observe, when to push, and when to let it go.

This isn’t about being fake or political in the way we usually think of that word. It’s about understanding the dynamics around you and choosing how to move with strategy and intention. Because you deserve more than to be stuck, overlooked, or burned out.

And if nobody’s told you yet—you have the power to navigate this game without losing yourself.

You just need to start playing smart.

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Want more real, honest career advice like this?

Check out Tip #60 in my book Career Gymnastics—available at major retailers now.

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And stay tuned for the next blog post in this five-part series on navigating workplace politics.