Navigating corporate politics can indeed be beneficial for protecting your ambition and achieving success in your career. Understanding the dynamics of power, influence, and relationships within an organization can help you strategically position yourself, build alliances, and make informed decisions.

However, it is important to navigate corporate politics ethically and with integrity. Building genuine relationships, maintaining professionalism, and focusing on adding value to the organization are crucial for long-term success.

To navigate corporate politics, it’s important to focus on personal growth and development. This means identifying your strengths and building expertise in a specific area of your work. Continuously work on improving your technical and social skills, as well as your daily routine. While it may seem like no one cares about your personal growth in the corporate world, investing in yourself can lead to professional success and confidence. When feeling unmotivated, remind yourself of why you entered this career and why you need this job. By putting in extra effort to improve your skills, you can climb the corporate ladder despite challenges and uncertainties. Hirav Shah, a successful business consultant, also shares tips on how to succeed in the corporate world.

How to climb up the corporate ladder

1. Deliver Results

Deliver the expectations & if in a position where your numbers are measured (sales), you have to consistently exceed your numbers. So, deliver, deliver & deliver.

2. Work Hard

Give every role you are in 110%. Leaders set the tone for their organization & in order to get considered for a promotion, you have to be committed, and go above and beyond in everything you do. “Work Hard”. “Go that extra mile”.  When running a business, you have to churn out consistent results. The moment you slack off, your opponent is ready to snatch that first place. Learn from the mastermind behind oracle- Larry Ellison.

3. Integrity

It is important to build a reputation for doing things the right way. People who take shortcuts and compromise their integrity in the process are not folks who want to lead others!

4. Willingness To Learn

Being coachable, being open to learning new things, and having an appetite for learning are critical.

Each new position will bring you out of your comfort zone and stretch your skill set to new levels. To get promoted to the next level, you have to master the level you are at, through learning. “Willingness to learn” is certainly a key !!

5. Find a Good Mentor

No matter what level you are at, find someone in your organization who can teach you new things, help you overcome challenges, and advise you. Good mentor will tell you the strength and usage of subconscious mind to enhance wellness in day to day life.

It’s a huge bonus if your mentor is likewise someone who is on the fast track!

6. Be a Role Model

Being viewed amongst your peer group as someone who others look up to, have a high degree of respect for is critical to earning a ‘battlefield promotion.’

7. Be Maniacal About Recruiting

Once you get to a leadership role, surround yourself with the best talent you can. Many people feel threatened by this approach, but it’s served many managers well, as per the latest study- if you have someone on your team who can take your job tomorrow, it makes you way more promotable. Yes !!

8. Be Flexible

You may not get the exact job you want in a promotion & you may be asked to relocate, move into a new organization, and potentially change companies. The more flexible you’re willing to be, the quicker you’ll move up.

9. Build Your Brand & Be Active On Social Media

Building your brand, your network, and being super active on social media as a thought leader for your areas of expertise, and by being a brand ambassador for your company can go a LONG way—both internally and externally. Do this in 2022 !! Don’t hesitate, please.

10. Find-A-Way To Keep A Mentally Positive Attitude

No one wants to be around negativity or people who complain and have a negative attitude. Leaders must be positive, passionate, and motivating to others. Leaders must be desirous, encouraging, moving, and uplifting… Best of luck in making it happen!!!

Final Thoughts

Navigating corporate politics can be advantageous in several ways. Firstly, building alliances with colleagues, superiors, and influential individuals can help you gain support, access valuable information, and create opportunities for growth. Secondly, actively participating in company-wide initiatives, volunteering for high-profile projects, and networking can enhance your visibility within the organization, leading to recognition and more significant career opportunities. Thirdly, understanding the informal power structures and key decision-makers allows you to tailor your communication and actions to align with their priorities, effectively influencing decision-making, advocating for your ideas, securing resources, and gaining support for your initiatives. Fourthly, navigating corporate politics equips you with the skills to handle conflicts diplomatically, find common ground, and reach mutually beneficial resolutions, maintaining positive relationships and minimizing disruptions to your career progression. Lastly, staying informed of organizational changes, industry trends, and internal dynamics enables you to anticipate challenges and identify opportunities, proactively adapting your strategies and making informed decisions that align with your career objectives.

Many corporate drones will see your ambition as a threat to their existence, so it is critical to keep your goals and plans to yourself. Also, only invest your time and energy on things that really matter to your personal and professional growth.

Just remember, the higher your position, the thinner the air, and the more treacherous and erratic your career path. Such is the price for your ambition.

Hey, but no worries…
The points shared by Hirav Shah are all bulletproof no matter what !!

Good Luck With Your Corporate Career -Wishes Hirav Shah, Popular Influencer, Entrepreneur, Business Strategist, Brand Enhancement Expert and India’s Most Influential Business Transformation Expert.