Navigate office politics by reading hidden power currents

When the CEO of a South American media firm needed to cut costs, he handpicked two executives for a special task force. One was brilliant on paper but aloof with colleagues; the other was a quietly influential operations manager his peers trusted. Predictably, the task force stalled until he swapped in the second manager. Her understanding of informal alliances and her respect for colleagues’ unspoken concerns unlocked the group’s momentum.

Power in organizations isn’t always where job titles suggest. Often it flows through informal networks—those whispers in the hallway or insights shared over tea. People who learn to read those currents can steer projects smoothly, avoid roadblocks, and marshal support precisely where it counts.

Social science research shows that people with high political awareness notice who really shapes opinions, how coalitions form, and which worries hold sway. They listen for emotional undercurrents—hesitations, jokes that expose unease—and they respect unwritten rules, such as who gets a first word in a meeting.

For your next initiative, ask not just “Who approves this?” but “Who’s the person everyone checks with first?” Build rapport there, gather their input, and let them share credit publicly. By mapping these hidden alliances and treating each influencer with sincerity, you’ll transform office politics from a minefield into a paved road for action.

Before your next project kickoff, jot down three colleagues whose opinions really tip decisions. Spend ten minutes listening in on an informal break—note who people seek out for advice. Next, ask one influencer, ‘What’s your biggest concern about this plan?’ and really listen. Finally, offer to help them with a quick task—maybe gathering data or drafting a summary—to earn goodwill and their advocacy. You’ll find the whole process smoother when you know whose support matters most.