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While many people are afraid of organizational politics because they think using power is corrupting or bad. They avoid it, thinking it’s wrong to play “political games.” But politics can actually be a positive skill, because it helps people influence decisions and work with others in an organization. If someone thinks all politics is bad, it may mean they don’t fully understand how organizations and people actually work.

Politics is part of human nature. People have different interests, ideas, and goals. Because of this, politics helps us see what actions are possible (what we can do) and also think about ethics or morality (what we should do).

Organizations are naturally political because of three main sources:

Diversity of perspectives – People have different opinions and ideas.
Interdependence – People need to work together, which can create conflicts.
Scarce resources – Organizations have limited resources, so tough choices have to be made.

These factors create political dynamics. If you ignore them, you may feel powerless and unable to accomplish what you think is right. To act ethically and be effective, you need to understand and use these dynamics constructively, instead of fearing or avoiding them.

Many people ignore politics because they only focus on their own team. They think their job is just managing their direct reports. But to be effective, you need relationships with other people too. 

There are three networks you should pay attention to:

Operational network – People who help you get your daily work done.
Strategic network – People who help you understand the bigger picture, spot opportunities, and prepare for challenges.
Development network – People who help you grow and learn, because what you get to do depends on who you know. Your work experience and learning are shaped by your relationships.

No matter your position, there are always people above you. Understanding these networks and the politics around them helps you act ethically, achieve your goals, and influence decisions effectively, instead of feeling powerless.