Secrets to Winning at Office Politics Paperback – July 1, 2005

This book was very enlightening as to the both obvious and not so obvious dynamics of office place politics. The text was filled with profundity as I realized I had been thinking these exact same concepts but could not put into words until I read this book. It not only dissects the science of it but also gives character examples to help support it. It explains both how to set yourself up for success and get noticed, as well as how to ruin your name in the workplace. This was well worth the money; lots of underlining.

Well thought out, well articulated, and well structured advice that’s applicable to not just professional, but also personal life.One of the best reads out there.

This little book surprised me. I didn't expect much from it. The title was kinda a turn-off for me. I decided to read it anyway to see whether I was wrong. Didn't like the beginning or the HR background of the author, but continued reading. Then I discovered that the book is quite good and useful. Much better than I had expected.The book consists of three parts: (1) Mastering the fundamentals, (2) Avoiding political pitfalls, and (3) How to become a winner.The first part provides the basics which the rest of the book builds on. It starts by defining politics as influencing people to achieve something and explains that this will happen in any organization. Also, influencing other people is not necessarily bad hence politics is not necessarily bad. If you want to improve your impact to an organizations, then it is useful to see politics and know how to play them. Politics is about power, friends, allies, and adversaries. Seeing where the power is and who is what related to you and each other is the key to increasing your influence towards an organization.The second part explores common political patterns in organization. The first chapter defines different political games... which were typical scenarios that happen within organizations. I enjoyed these games as they were very recognizable (for me, at least). The next chapter explores what happens in organizations when you don't have a political sense, what behavior will make you less influential in the organization. Last chapter explores who is in power and why.The third part is the action part of the book. Considering the fundamentals and ability to recognize patterns, what can you do to increase your influence to the organization. The part ends with the typical 'action' chapter of building an action plan for improving your political influence.The book was well written. It contained a lot of stories and many of the scenario's were recognizable. The book tries to help you improve your political skill but not in a negative way. Often politics is interpreted negatively but as the author repeatedly points out, people of gain power by producing results. The book helped me understand certain situations better and gave me new tools to use within organizations. I'd recommend this book for anyone who is trying to influence large organizations. Useful, concrete but not creating huge new insights, so I'll rate it 4 stars.

The title of Chapter One in Secrets to Winning at Office Politics says it all, "Politics is not a dirty word." Office politics has always had a negative connotation but in reality it has just taken a bad rap. Secrets reminds us that office politics is simply the reality of relationships and Dr. Marie McIntyre shows us all how to play the game - honestly, ethically and successfully.McIntyre uses real life examples from her experience working for a Fortune 500 company and her consulting business to give the reader an excellent view of the real world at the office. Her straightforward yet entertaining style is refreshing and her practical advice and self-assessment questions and surveys make the book a gem.Secrets lays out in very practical and anecdotal style how one can succeed simply by understanding the unwritten rules of working with and for someone. What is unique about the book is the openness with which the subject is discussed - the real life examples are those we can all relate to as an employee, a boss, a parent, a teacher or a friend. It provokes a kind of self-evaluation that some people never seriously consider.Give this book to every high school or college graduate you know! If you are the boss, read it, and then encourage your employees to do the same. It's a keeper.

this book, it’s going to prevent certain political pitfalls that will help ppl in their career. There are some rules of power that we need to observe and definitely a worthy book to read again.

Good basic intro to office politics. While it had some useful nuggets along the way, there was a ton of filler in terms of examples. A lot of the advice was pretty basic or well covered in other business books.