Jennifer P. Wisdom - MILLENNIALS GUIDE TO WORKPLACE POLITICS: What No One Ever Told You About Power and Influence

Advance Praise for

Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics

Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics distills the lessons and wisdom of countless research studies and individual experiences into grounded steps and questions for seeing an issue clearly. While reading this book, I found myself reflecting often on the (many) times that I have failed to apply these steps and ask these questions in my own professional journey. Drs. Mira Brancu and Jennifer Wisdom provide simple tools and suggestions that give new professionals a jump start on (and more seasoned professionals a reminder of) the realization that general ideas like trust your feelings, your work will speak for itself, and just be yourself are not likely to help you achieve your professional goals. I also appreciate the way this book empowers the reader to take control of their professional journey through self-awareness, problem evaluation, skill-building, and intentional action with reflection. This is an excellent guide in the continuing challenge to navigate the politics of the workplace while maintaining personal values and integrity.

- Bradley Brummel, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, Millennial-Adjacent

Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics really feels like a pocket-sized mentor, containing perspectives and advice that are sure to resonate with other professionals like me. As a Millennial who started her career working in a start-up, a non-profit, then a government job, I understand how overwhelming office politics can be, and this book finds such a good balance between providing productive and positive advice while not talking down to the reader or sugar-coating the challenges. Drs. Mira Brancu and Jennifer Wisdom offer such a useful and refreshing take on professional relationships; counter to the commonly held workplace belief that emotions should be checked at the door, they smartly make it clear that professional conduct can and should include emotional intelligence. Emphasizing the importance of creating safe and supportive professional environments is both productive and consistent with the commonly held values of young professionals like myself! I also love that it includes specific advice for virtual workplaces, a new experience for many of us and one unlikely to go away anytime soon! And I love how it's formatted its perfect to use as a reference, and the many cross-references make it so easy to find more advice specific to a predicament or situation. If you are a Millennial professional (or any professional looking to navigate office politics), I highly recommend this book for its actionable advice, insightful analyses, and the tools it provides that can be readily implemented to s upport and advance your career.

-Meredith Burger, Working Millennial

Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics 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. There is so much packed into here and its going to be eye opening and helpful for a lot of people.

-Kate Scott, MS, MBA, Organizational Development and Workplace Strategy Expert

This savvy survival guide for climbing the company ladder is a fabulous read for anyone who wants to win with integrity and practicality. It's brilliantly laced with emotional and adaptability intelligence. Each chapter offers insight for where you are and where you wish to be if you're honest about who you are and what you can be. Anyone reading Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics (especially young, ambitious women) will not just learn how to work the room but will learn how to develop professionally.

-Ariel Shivers-McGrew, MA, LPC, Business Owner, PhD Student, Military Service Member, Millennial

Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics is incredibly actionable, and its a guide meant to flip through and find solutions. I envision it being widely highlighted and ear marked. It is such a meaningful accomplishment that will help a lot of people! This is also a great guide for a coach helping Millennials navigate these workplace issues.

-Stefanie Mockler, PhD, Leadership Coach & Founder of The Female Leaders Edge, Millennial

This is an easy-to-read reference book that could serve many functions, including a library of development suggestions. I can see how it can be used as part of a coaching process, particularly after the assessment process. I cant wait to hand out copies to my millennial friends and colleagues and recommend to my coaching clients.

-Kristin Powell, PhD, Organizational and Leadership Consultant, DE&I Expert

Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics is that in-between step Ive been looking for regarding getting into consultation work and better understanding the politics embedded in the workplace. I particularly found the chapter on how to ask for useful feedback applicable because as someone who experiences impostor syndrome, workplace politics can make you wary of asking how to improve. The personal reflections that Drs. Brancu and Wisdom share throughout this book are witty, personable, and super helpful. Do yourself a favor, and grab this book!

-Daniel Lattimore, MS, NCC, Counseling Psychology Doctoral Candidate

MILLENNIALS

GUIDE TO

WORKPLACE POLITICS

What No One Ever Told You About

Power and Influence

Mira Brancu, PhD

Jennifer P. Wisdom, PhD MPH ABPP

2021 Mira Brancu and Jennifer P. Wisdom

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 International Copyright Act, without the prior written permission except in brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Published by Winding Pathway Books

ISBN (print): 978-1-954374-91-1

ISBN (e-book): 978-1-954374-90-4

Cover design by Diego G. Diaz

Photo credit: Diego G. Diaz and Allie Mullin

For more information or bulk orders, visit: www.leadwithwisdom.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Dear Reader,

As a Millennial working in the corporate sector, I made a mental choice not to engage in workplace politics. I decided that I would double-down on my strengths, develop my weaknesses, and grow in new ways. But as for engaging in office or workplace politics? That was a strong no for me.

Or so I thought.

When I decided that I was going to enter the marketing world as an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, I knew it would be uncharted territory. Marketing isnt seen as an essential skill or ability to the competency development of an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist. In fact, many Industrial-Organizational Psychologists struggle with helping others to understand what they do. I always hear comments like, I dont know how to explain Industrial-Organizational Psychology, my family thinks Im like Human Resources, or Industrial-Organizational Psychology is too complex to break down. But if I was going to truly carve out a niche for myself and be able to coach Industrial-Organizational Psychologists on how to brand and market their services, I needed to learn from the best. So, I used LinkedIn to connect with the president of a prominent marketing firm and bartered for a 6-month engagement with me coaching junior executives and him coaching me on all things marketing consulting. As a result of this successful set-up, I was hired into a full-time position.