Mastering Office Politics: Power, Promotion & Playing to Win with Michael Wenderoth

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In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, host Nick Day sits down with executive coach and author Michael Wenderoth to explore what it really takes to get promoted in today’s corporate world.

Michael is the author of the bestselling book Get Promoted and host of the 97% Effective podcast. He shares actionable strategies for advancing your career without compromising your values.

From navigating power dynamics and office politics to building influence and mapping organizational power, this conversation is a must-listen for HR leaders, L&D professionals, and ambitious professionals who feel stuck despite doing great work.

If you’ve ever wondered why top performers don’t always rise and what you can do to change that, this episode is for you.

Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchangwenderoth/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

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(00:00) How Power, Politics & Influence Drive Promotions

(03:19) Why HR Needs More Power Inside Organizations

(05:40) The Story of “Matt” & Why Top Talent Gets Ousted

(11:32) Redefining Power as a Neutral Force

(15:44) Using “The Rock, The Map, The Snowball” to Get Unstuck

(21:00) What Power Maps Reveal That Org Charts Don’t

(25:12) How Oversharing & Being “Too Authentic” Can Backfire

(34:32) How HR Can Shift Culture Without Creating Toxicity

(38:21) The Real Reason People Leave Their Jobs

(41:56) Rethinking Leadership in a Hybrid & AI-Driven Future

(46:45) Why Michael Named His Podcast “97% Effective”

(49:58) Bold Advice for HR Leaders, Promotions & Game of Thrones