(1) The best definition I’ve heard for corporate politics is the act of advancing careers or agendas by means other than merit/contribution. (H/T Ben Horowitz)
(2) A lot of what people refer to as politics – salesmanship, conflict, negotiation – isn’t politics as a result. Politics, by definition, is a dirtier game. When you’re dragged in it or choose to play it, you feel it.
(3) Politics thrive when leaders exhibit one or more of the following behaviors –
(a) Away from the details (=> they don’t know how work is getting done),
(b) Emotionally unaware (=> they’re unable to understand agendas), or
(c) Overly biased toward great narratives over results (=> they prefer hearing what they want to hear over seeking the truth)
