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. 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?
This week, we are excited to launch the second, updated edition of a bestselling book that focuses on the single most important—and most frequently neglected—ingredient of advancement in the professional world. It reveals the rules of this complex game so that readers can begin to build the connections they need to get ahead.
The Politics of Promotion
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.
Playing politics in the workplace is not about gossip, backstabbing, or opportunism. 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. It offers women the tools and guidance they need to successfully navigate the realities of their organizations, emphasizing the need to understand office politics to get the promotions and recognition they deserve. Bonnie Marcus, a professional coach focused on helping women advance their careers, demonstrates the impact of relationships and sponsorship in career trajectory.
Readers will learn why excellence and achievement are not enough to get ahead, and how networking with power and intention can make all the difference in perception, reputation, and promotion. Far beyond the typical advice of “be assertive” and “embrace ambition,” this book provides a unique and proven method for becoming a bigger player in the workplace and avoiding trip-ups that can add years to the climb—or end it for good.
Meet the Author
Bonnie Marcus, M.Ed., is an award-winning entrepreneur and president of Women’s Success Coaching. She shares real conversations for real women about real situations in the workplace today, and assists professional women to successfully navigate the workplace and position and promote themselves to advance their careers.
With 20+ years of sales and management experience, Bonnie’s extensive business background includes CEO of a ServiceMaster company, and VP of Sales at Medical Staffing Network and two other national companies in the healthcare and software industries. She started her corporate career at an entry-level position, and worked her way up to the top of a national company by using her savvy promotion and relational skills. Her passion is now to help other women learn to be sensitive to the culture of their organization, embrace the politics, and actively and intentionally move their careers forward with a sound strategic plan.
Bonnie shares her message globally through speaking engagements, blogging, and her popular radio show. Her syndicated radio show, GPS Your Career: A Woman’s Guide to Success, provides practical tips and resources for professional women to succeed in business and is broadcast live each week on a CBS station. She is the author of The Politics Of Promotion, co-author of Lost Leaders In The Pipeline, and contributing writer for Forbes; she has also been published in HR.com, Business Insider, HR People + Strategy, Daily Worth, and Washington Business Journal. Bonnie has also been featured in Inc, Huffington Post, Psychology Today, Fast Company, CIO Magazine, Crain’s NY, and more.
Bonnie received a BA from Connecticut College and a M.Ed. from New York University. She is an ICF certified executive coach.
Praise from Readers Like You
“I wish someone had given me this book when I graduated from college! It took me years to realize that intelligence and hard work aren’t enough when it comes to getting ahead. Straightforward and practical, this book is very easy to read and filled with great advice for women in business no matter whether you’re just starting out or still struggling to understand how to get the promotion you’ve always wanted.” —Pat Saviano, 5-star Amazon review
“This book is a primer for women (and men) about how to navigate the modern workplace politics that no amount of education or training can prepare you to deal with. I wish two things: 1) I had read this book when I was a whippersnapper, and 2) I hope that men will read this book, even though it is primarily aimed at women, because the learning is applicable to either.” —John Smith, 5-star Amazon review
“I thoroughly enjoyed the real life ‘political'” stories of successful women that The Politics Of Promotion shares with us. It’s reassuring and uplifting to hear about some strong successful women who were fired or passed up for opportunities because they remained on the ‘outside’ of office politics. Marcus effectively brings us on a journey that illustrates how ‘playing the game’ can be an empowering and growing ride. Politics isn’t just about you – it’s about everyone. As a leader you can’t afford to stand back and watch success pass you or your people by. Protect yourself and your teams by building relationships and using your toolkit every day!” —Lisa Kosak, 5-star Amazon review
“Reading this book was like sitting down with the author and having a conversation about workplace dynamics. Bonnie weaves stories of women throughout the book that were easily relatable. From the point of introduction, we learn the backstories of women in high ranking positions who lost out on promotions or lost jobs because they weren’t politically savvy. . . . Hard work and performance are not the sole basis for advancement. Politics can be so powerful and overwhelming that even superstars cannot survive. Bonnie teaches women the ‘significance of self-promotion as a leadership skill and political tool. Readers learn savvy ways to communicate what you and your team have accomplished and how to sell your ideas across the organization to build political influence.'” —Jane Anderson, 5-star Amazon review
“As a professional speaker and author on issues related to self-leadership, I personally loved how the author interconnects real-life stories throughout the book. Through every chapter, stories teach the reader how to continually move ahead in the business world. Readers will see their own stories woven through the narratives in this book. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the read.” —Barbara Rubel, 5-star Amazon review
Learn More
- Visit Amazon to buy a copy of the book, or leave a short review of it.
- Visit the website to download a free chapter and find beautiful graphics to share with your networks.
Elizabeth Johnson loves the color yellow, strong {black} coffee, editing, and exploring the mountains in rural Wyoming and Utah, where she and her husband serve as church planters. In her free time, she enjoys learning new things, hand-lettering and acrylic painting, and gaming with her husband.