Books
About the Millennials’ Guide to Workplace Politics & the workbook
When we say “workplace politics,” many of us bristle. The term has become nearly completely overtaken by negative, sometimes abusive, selfish, corrupt, and harmful power moves. But politics come in many forms, with the self-serving type being only one. There are also positive, honest politics that can help you become a better leader when used appropriately. In fact, politics are part of everyday work life and talented managers and leaders who do not engage in work politics often get left out of the important decision-making process and fail to progress or thrive in their career.
The term “workplace politics” has become nearly synonymous with negative, sometimes abusive, selfish, corrupt, and harmful power moves. But politics come in many forms; there are also positive, honest politics that can help you become a better leader when used appropriately.
The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice your values and morals to be successful at work politics!
Psychologists Mira Brancu and Jennifer P. Wisdom join forces to help you conquer the nebulous world of workplace politics to make that critical impact. The original book was published in 2021 and the workbook came out in 2024. The workbook can be used on its own without the original as an updated version of the book, but with more opportunities for reflection.
These books are practical guides that offer:
Advice on navigating both informal and formal politics in any context
Descriptions to help you identify a variety of harmful political behaviors
Strategies for both proactive and reactive methods - and knowing when to use each
Knowing when to let go and leave due to an untenable situation
Who Would Most Benefit from THESE books?
According to our readers, these books are great for:
Leaders who want a simple, pragmatic book to help the employees they are mentoring,
Coaches and consultants who want to help their clients with workplace politics,
A new leader,
Someone just starting out in a new job at a new organization,
Any experienced technical expert navigating new complex organizational politics,
People at any age who missed out on this much-needed mentorship (we get feedback from people who have been working for 20+ years say, “Boy, I wish I had this book earlier in my career!”)
As a gift for any who would appreciate a clear, straightforward, practical book on managing workplace politics!
Why I wrote this book
What people saying
“I ordered this book thinking it might be a good resource for the emerging leaders I coach. Turns out it is a GREAT resource, and I will be buying multiple copies of it. The tone is just right — pragmatic, matter-of-fact, empowering — with no time wasted on ‘this-shouldn’t-be-happening’ defeatism. It is liberally peppered with actionable tips for building skills and handing tricky situations. A reader can quickly skim the table of contents to zone in on the specific issue of concern, but reading the whole thing, cover to cover, is like a master class in how to get ahead. I give it the strongest possible recommendation. It’s a superb navigational aid to a terrain that hasn’t received much helpful attention up until now.”
“This book is a great resource for anyone looking to thrive in navigating the challenges of workplace interactions. Through easily accessible language, readers are able to tap into the wisdom of Drs. Brancu and Wisdom, to negotiate the visible and hidden forces at play during the work day. The book is laid out so readers can quickly key in on areas of greatest interest and find actionable tips to move forward. This would be an especially good gift for college graduates as well as people working with new hybrid work situations.”
“I wish I had a copy of this book much earlier in my career! Now, as an executive leadership coach, I could hand copies of this book out like candy. The word “politics” conjures up ugly pictures in our minds of people cutting backroom deals for personal gain. Indeed, some of that behavior goes on in our world. However, neutral politics (the thing that shows up daily in organizations) serves to move forward ideas and goals in organizations and our communities. Politics is a necessary piece of moving agendas. Knowing how to tactfully manage politics in a way that serves the greatest good is a skill set that can be learned. Drs. Brancu and Wisdom put practical help in our hands with this wonderful book. Written in clear, simple language with a focus on successfully navigating all the potential political landmines that the average person navigates on a daily basis. The book is required reading for anyone working to advance in their careers and communities”
“This is an incredibly actionable and valuable guide. I envision it being widely highlighted and ear-marked. In fact, I’ve already used the concepts and strategies in my work coaching corporate leaders navigating tough decisions and political cultures. I’m excited to buy copies for myself and my clients and colleagues!
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“This book is an incredible resource whether you are just getting started in your career or are looking to take it to the next level. Drs. Mira Brancu and Jennifer Wisdom offer a comprehensive overview of the wide range of politics you will encounter throughout your career and provide sage advice for how to navigate and thrive in complex, real-world situations.”
Looking for more support with navigating workplace politics?
Check out the programs we offer here. Every once in a while we also offer an author-facilitated book club with embedded group coaching!