---
title: "Can Marketers Overcome the Hurdle of 'Workplace Politics'?"
description: "Workplace politics refers to an invisible network of relationships that, while not codified in corporate policies, significantly influences career advancement. To navigate this hurdle, professionals must balance relationships and showcase their abilities within their roles. Drawing on personal experience, the author advises marketers on how to manage workplace politics to achieve both career success and personal growth."
author: "王震"
publisher: "New Distribution"
email: "zhaobo258@gmail.com"
telephone: "+8615854817671"
published: "2016-08-08"
language: "en"
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# Can Marketers Overcome the Hurdle of 'Workplace Politics'?

> Workplace politics refers to an invisible network of relationships that, while not codified in corporate policies, significantly influences career advancement. To navigate this hurdle, professionals must balance relationships and showcase their abilities within their roles. Drawing on personal experience, the author advises marketers on how to manage workplace politics to achieve both career success and personal growth.

**Preface:** Workplace politics refers to an invisible network of relationships that, while not codified in corporate policies, plays a significant role in career advancement and development. To overcome this hurdle, one must skillfully balance various relationships throughout their career, fully demonstrating their abilities within the constraints of work hours and authority, ultimately achieving promotion. This article draws on the author's personal experiences to advise marketers—both newcomers and those currently navigating their careers—on how to cross the threshold of workplace politics, thereby achieving success in both career and workplace.

**I. New Employees Should Value Relationships with Colleagues and Learn to Respect Superiors**

**1. Do not underestimate any colleague, including the cleaning staff.**
For a newcomer, entering an unfamiliar environment and facing new colleagues can initially be disorienting. During this time, having a "mentor and friend" becomes increasingly essential. There is no free lunch, and no tuition is paid in vain. To go further in your career, you must learn to integrate into the group and achieve a state of being "assimilated."

Of course, environments vary, and colleagues come in all types, but you must believe one thing: everyone needs attention and has interests outside of work—these are your entry points. When the author first started working, they got along well with everyone. I remember arriving at the office first every day, and the first thing I did was greet the cleaner at work: "Sister Z, good morning." Over time, even the cleaner praised me, earning the approval of the broadest masses. Then it was time to showcase myself. As long as you are proactive in thought and outstanding in performance, you will gradually gain recognition from leaders and colleagues.

Conversely, if you prioritize personal gain and disregard colleagues' feelings, you will not only fail to earn their recognition but also sow seeds for future career setbacks. Imagine if you were a leader who only thought of yourself—how would the team fare? One memorable experience: during the World Cup, a female colleague in my office asked if I could cover her shift because she had evening plans. I usually arrived early and left late, but this time I refused, regardless of her pleas, because I wanted to watch the match. If I had been more mature, I wouldn't have made such a foolish mistake. For colleagues, it's hardest to beg for help, and when a request is denied, the seed of resentment can eventually sprout.

Be polite and pay attention to details. When the author was marketing department head, the company hired five college graduates as fresh blood for the marketing department. Since it was a newly formed department, they received much attention. Among them was one male, nicknamed "Little E." Although he was enthusiastic and hardworking, he was simple-minded and poor at communication. Colleagues from other departments had low opinions of him, and he neglected personal hygiene, appearing sloppy. Everyone knows humility—it's basic education from elementary school—but in the workplace, it's more complex. You must not only work diligently but also master communication skills. Once, a deputy department head said to me, "Why is your 'Little E' so impolite and careless?" Upon investigation, it turned out that when calling to discuss work, he jumped straight to the point without addressing the person's title. Imagine if he had said, "Director W, there's something I'd like to trouble you with, if possible?" Despite his efforts, he was eventually dismissed for not understanding workplace politics.

**Comment:** One of the most important skills in marketing is effective communication. While customer communication skills are essential, people often overlook communication with colleagues. The harmony of colleague relationships plays a crucial role in a marketer's workplace politics. You may not feel it now, but one day you will pay the price.

**2. New employees should cater to superiors' preferences and put effort into after-hours interactions.**
As a new employee, you often need to be understood by others to better integrate and showcase your strengths. During busy work hours, superiors only see your work side and cannot discover your full potential. Some joke that the dining table is the best test of character, and there's truth to that.

In the author's career, I've encountered many colleagues who were oblivious to "workplace politics," and they often ended up either underutilized or dismissed by superiors for various reasons. Once, a new female employee in the business department accompanied leaders and clients for drinks. It started well, but she ended up sitting on a client's lap. Although the client was female, it was highly inappropriate. The boss was furious afterward, and despite her talent and being a needed asset, she was dismissed. Our female boss particularly disliked subordinates overstepping boundaries, so veteran employees, especially women, dressed formally and avoided things like long boots or long hair that might be deemed "inappropriate." Those who did the opposite often met unfortunate ends. When I was in the investment department, we often traveled and had many opportunities to drink together. One newly hired male colleague often succumbed to peer pressure, competing in drinking and ending up dead drunk. Some colleagues didn't comment openly, some even laughed at him, but behind his back, they gossiped. Worse, once in Shanghai, the boss flew in from Liaoning to treat us. This guy started toasting frequently before others even drank, and the department head saw it clearly. Such ignorance of workplace politics makes it hard to achieve great things.

When I first started working as a secretary in the company office, I had more opportunities to interact with leaders. The leader loved playing table tennis and would invite me every lunch break. "Secretary C, I haven't finished my meal yet!" "Forget eating, let's play first!" This was our banter, but it also showed our harmonious relationship. We played often, and work communication became smoother. Soon, an opportunity arose: the original Youth League secretary was transferred to the distribution center as a buyer. With the secretary's strong recommendation, I got the position, just three years after starting work. I had been unhappy and was considering leaving, but unexpectedly, this workplace surprise came—a direct result of workplace politics.

**Comment:** Catering to preferences doesn't mean scheming or neglecting your work; it's a leveraging tactic. Used appropriately, it can boost a marketer's career.

**II. When You're on a Roll, Stay Humble and Maintain Communication with Superiors**

Some marketers, after achieving success, become complacent, ignore others' opinions, and communicate less with superiors. In the business world where performance determines success, people prioritize results above all, striving to reach goals. But upon reaching the peak or a small hill, they may feel "I'm the peak" and look down on others, thinking they're always right. In reality, performance can be achieved through effort, but career growth is endless. The broader your mind, the greater your thoughts. History shows that great people don't dwell on small gains or losses; they set bigger goals and stay clear-headed even in success. This is the fundamental difference between ordinary and great people.

My experiences may serve as a lesson: the more confident you are, the more you need self-reflection, discipline, and self-check to maintain a humble, calm heart. My career path was full of ups and downs, but I survived the lowest points and stumbled at the peak due to workplace politics.

**Warning 1: Consider things from subordinates' perspectives.**
When I was newly appointed marketing director, I was full of enthusiasm and announced that no one in the department could rest during the National Day Golden Week, aiming for a strong start. Since the department was new and staffed with young people who cherished the opportunity, and most were in their twenties and unmarried, no one objected. However, a girl transferred from another department later approached me, saying she wanted to go sketching in the mountains—a rare opportunity—and requested leave. She had worked for three years, was promoted from sales clerk, had strong art skills, and was a key technical talent. But I refused her sternly, citing the new department and the major promotional period, and that I had already announced no rest. She stubbornly insisted, surprising me since she was usually quiet and hardworking. She said if I didn't grant leave, she'd resign! Being young, I wasn't intimidated: "Resign then," I said coldly. I didn't grant her leave, and she left without a word, vanishing. The graphic design work, already weak, suffered; after she left, several designers couldn't match her, and her designs were the only ones the boss approved. After struggling with design issues, the company remembered her, and recruiting her back became my new task. Before I could call, the HR director had already contacted her. Her original salary was 500 yuan; she said she'd return only if it was raised to 1,000 yuan. The company agreed.

**Comment:** Superiors should be flexible, not just focus on work but also consider the implicit elements of workplace politics. Her departure and return made it harder for superiors to manage, and if you make mistakes repeatedly, and even your superior intervenes in staffing, your position may be in jeopardy.

**Warning 2: Be careful of your words and actions when you're on a roll.**
When I was marketing department head, I once visited a store with the deputy general manager. A former superior of mine, now deputy store manager and a close friend, complained, "Can you give us more support? Visit us more often!" I could have agreed, but I casually said, "I don't have time; I'm busy with headquarters!" The deputy GM overheard this simple exchange. Later, at a staff meeting, the boss mentioned it without naming me: "Some young people, once they have power, forget their responsibilities. We are a unified group; when stores ask for help, we shouldn't make excuses but fully cooperate." I felt wronged! I wasn't refusing; we were close, and I was just venting. But your position dictates that you can't speak casually, especially in front of supervisors—that's workplace politics.

Another time, promotional gifts arrived, requiring early unloading. Since I had been at the newspaper office late the previous day, I arranged for others in my department to assist the property department. But a small issue arose early; they didn't know how to handle it and called me. I coordinated with the property director over the phone, and it was resolved. However, this got back to the boss. Not handling everything personally suggests poor planning or lack of seriousness. Although the issue was resolved, it left room for criticism.

**Comment:** This section is crucial for young cadres on the rise. Workplace politics is everywhere, and when you're on a roll, everyone around you could be a potential "career killer." Mistakes are magnified. So, handle these latent relationships well, making workplace politics work for you, not against you.

**Warning 3: Maintain communication with superiors.**
Communication is key to leveraging workplace politics, especially effective communication with superiors. Some marketers think, "I'll just do my job; I'll do what my boss says." That's not enough. Effective communication is a path to promotion. Successful professionals proactively think and act, not passively accept tasks, but make targeted, correct adjustments without violating the leader's intent. Everyone wants attention and recognition, especially leaders. Every leader wants subordinates to communicate proactively to stay updated on progress. This is essential for workplace politics and for sustained career success. Especially when you're riding high, maintain your original demeanor and keep communicating with leaders. Don't underestimate any superior; they can determine your future trajectory, especially your direct supervisor. So, when the boss directly assigns you a task, don't get carried away; remember who your direct supervisor is. Otherwise, you may work hard but gain nothing, and you'll truly understand workplace politics.

**Comment:** Chinese culture emphasizes hierarchy; superior-subordinate relationships are subtle and complex. Some use them well and rise quickly; others ignore them and suffer. This is the unwritten rule of the workplace and a key part of workplace politics.

**III. When Feeling Lost or Down, Be Cautious in Words and Actions, and Wait for Opportunities to Rise Again**

Every marketer experiences lows and confusion. The author's state-owned department store had many such examples. Here are a few cases to share.

**1. The Big Fall Type**
Manager Y was once a "star" in the mall, starting as an ordinary clerk and, during three years as manager of XX mall, earning the highest annual bonus every year. But a transfer order moved her to a supermarket under the group as a data entry clerk. The reasons are unknown, but the fall was hard to bear. However, within a year, she was transferred to a new supermarket as deputy store manager, then store manager, and now back to the group as deputy director of XX center. Although the business type changed, her position is no worse than before.

**Comment:** This is just one case; not all companies give employees who make mistakes a second chance, depending on company nature and culture. But at any time, you shouldn't be so down that you give up; instead, wait for opportunities. This period is also when leaders test your patience and resilience.

**2. The Waiting for Opportunity Type**
Manager C was originally deputy manager of XX mall but was demoted to a clerk in XX department due to an internal incident. Remarkably, he didn't give up; he completed every task diligently and often smiled. Soon, he was promoted again, this time to manager of XX mall.

**Comment:** Personnel changes aren't scary. Even if you go from high to low, as long as you're still in the management team, you have chances. Company systems don't change; only people can change. What you need to do is: always smile and wait for opportunities.

**3. The Voluntary Quitter Type**
Manager W was the head of XX department but was transferred to a shopping plaza under the group as deputy planning director. The huge psychological gap was hard to bear. The boss, sensing his mood, arranged for two deputy GMs to talk with him, but he bluntly said, "It doesn't matter; it's the same everywhere," embarrassing them. Later, he resigned voluntarily, giving up the chance to bounce back.

**Comment:** For Manager W, if he had accepted the challenge, he might have been reused. But he didn't show the necessary calm and composure at a critical moment, and such immaturity wouldn't have led to reuse. For marketers, if you truly have ability and talent, there will be many opportunities to showcase them. Given the talent shortage in marketing, as long as you don't give up, you'll have chances to rise again.

Workplace politics is a hurdle every marketer must cross. Cross it, and your future is bright; fail, and you'll be burdened. I hope this article serves as a warning or reference. Always take workplace politics seriously; sometimes, unwritten rules can determine your life.

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