The scenario is all too familiar: a qualified, motivated professional woman does everything she can think of to secure a coveted promotion. After years of investing her time and energy in the company, she is ready to advance, and she believes that the time has finally come. Later, she is shocked and dismayed to find that, not only was she passed over, but the successful candidate had fewer qualifications and little to no familiarity with the practical side of the business. What happened? Bonnie Marcus has the answer in one word: politics.

The Politics of Promotion focuses on the single most important—and most frequently neglected—ingredient of advancement in the professional world. Many ambitious women were taught that they could succeed on the basis of their qualifications alone. While that would be true in an ideal world, the world we live in falls short. The reality of business is that the people we know are just as important as, if not more important than, the skills we possess. In The Politics of Promotion, the rules of this complex game are revealed so that readers can begin to build the connections they need to get ahead.

Playing politics in the workplace is not about gossip, backstabbing, or opportunism. Instead, savvy women in business know how to network and with whom. They also understand how decisions are made in their organizations, and they have learned to use these political factors to their advantage. The Politics of Promotion provides clear instructions for women who want to align themselves with important stakeholders and build relationships with influential advocates, so that the next promotion doesn't slip away.

As a successful professional herself, author Bonnie Marcus has firsthand knowledge of what it takes for women to progress in business. Skill and accomplishment are important, but, for better or worse, understanding workplace politics is absolutely mandatory. Thankfully, this can be a pain-free process of learning to identify opportunities and avoid potential landmines. With The Politics of Promotion, readers can develop their own Political Toolkits—practical solutions for short-term and long-term engagement with the political landscape of any organization.

Praise for THE POLITICS OF PROMOTION

"If you're one of those nice girls who thinks politics is a four-letter word, think again. From promotions to perks to plum assignments, savvy women know the path to success is paved by politics. The Politics of Promotion will help you to make workplace politics an integral part of your skill set without feeling as if you've compromised your integrity."
—Lois P. Frankel, PhD, author of Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office

"Bonnie Marcus has finally come out and said what needs to be said: self-promotion is a leadership skill! The Politics of Promotion should earn a place on every woman's bookshelf. Marcus not only demonstrates why playing politics zestfully, skillfully and ethically is essential for women seeking to shape satisfying careers, she offers invaluable advice on how to do it. This book offers a perfect wake-up call for women who want to believe that working hard should be enough. It's not. Bonnie Marcus shows you a better path."
—Sally Helgesen, author of The Female Advantage; coauthor of The Female Vision

"The Politics of Promotion is a savvy book, full of advice for ambitious women. Bonnie Marcus explains that success follows not only from competently fulfilling one's job description but even more from successfully negotiating company politics. To help women navigate these complexities, she offers a wealth of advice backed by examples gleaned from her long experience as a corporate executive and a career coach. Marcus provides the crucial insights that business schools leave out of the curriculum."
—Alice Eagly, coauthor of Through the Labyrinth

"Sheryl Sandberg taught women about the importance of 'leaning in' in order to get ahead in the workplace. In The Politics of Promotion, Bonnie Marcus gives women practical tips on how to be savvy about the way they lean in to avoid potential landmines, how to navigate the realities of their workplace, and position themselves for success without compromising their feminine traits or integrity."
—John Gerzema, author of The Athena Doctrine

"The Politics of Promotion totally reframes the concept of office politics. Bonnie Marcus clearly and practically explains how the work environment must be understood for anyone hoping to advance their careers. Through research, case studies, and a variety of powerful vignettes, the book offers insights for all individuals—women and men—who seek to be more successful, eliminate roadblocks, and deliver for themselves, their teams, and their organizations."
—Susan B. Chodakewitz, President, Tetra Tech AMT; Chair of the Board, Women in Aerospace