Nobody Told Us: The Unwritten Rules of Office Politics

29 min

Office PoliticsCareer AdviceWorkplace DynamicsMentorshipCareer Growth

In this episode of Her Career Unplugged, Joanne and Vimala pull back the curtain on office politics — the unwritten rules that shape careers but nobody tells you about on day one. From informal power structures and decisions made in rooms you're not in, to navigating workplace dynamics with authenticity and strategy, this conversation is packed with real stories and hard-won lessons. Vimala shares what it felt like to be unknowingly labeled part of a workplace "mafia," and Joanne reflects on a toxic manager at Lockheed Martin and why she wishes she'd trusted her gut sooner.

Show Notes

Being excellent at your job is not the same as being seen for it — visibility is a separate skill you have to build intentionally.
Decisions are made in rooms you're not in. Understanding informal power structures is as important as understanding your job description.
You don't get to decide whether you're part of office politics — the only escape is working completely alone.
Your reputation travels faster than you do. People are talking about you in conversations you don't know are happening.
Vimala's story: being unknowingly labeled the "Indian Mafia" at a highly political workplace — and how she came out of it by staying authentic and focusing on delivering value.
Joanne's story: going to her boss's boss at Lockheed Martin — and learning the hard way that the politics weren't about her, they were about protecting a successful manager's track record.
Find a mentor who is still close enough to the game to give you real, tactical guidance — not just "good work speaks for itself."
Visibility isn't about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about making sure the right people know what you're doing and why.
Asking questions builds relationships and shows confidence — if you're afraid to ask it, chances are someone else in the room is too.
Build allies, not just friends: advocate for others publicly, give credit where it's due, and open doors — because the best way to get an ally is to be one.
Before going into a difficult conversation with leadership, remove the emotion and think strategically. A mentor or trusted ally can help you prepare.
How you leave a job matters just as much as how you show up. Always give proper notice — your reputation follows you out the door.