Charm, passivity, wisdom and ego: the choreography of influence
The myth of neutrality and the cost of invisibility
Many professionals pride themselves on being above politics, but politics are a reality of all organisations, whether acknowledged or not. Politics shape decisions, define who is consulted and determine which voices carry weight.
It’s easy to ignore or ‘rise above’ workplace politics until they cost us something; when a proposal is sidelined, a reputation is misread, or an opportunity slips away without explanation. In hindsight these moments reveal the quiet choreography of influence.
Choosing not to engage does not erase politics, it cedes the narrative to others who determine the terms of engagement without you.
The craft of political skill
The good news is that political skill is not an innate trait reserved for a select few at the top of the hierarchy, it’s learnable by everyone. It’s not about dominating the room, it’s about understanding how the room works.
Here are some of the ways political skills show up in daily work:
Reading the room: knowing when to speak, when to listen and when to pivot
Building alliances: forming relationships that support shared goals
Managing up and across: building trust through clear and tactful communication
Staying visible: ensuring your work is known without self-promotion
Archetypes and relational behaviours
Across organisational life, certain behavioural patterns recur in how people navigate power and influence. These archetypes as described by Baddeley and James offer a lens for understanding people’s habits. These are not fixed identities, but they show how people typically respond to pressure, uncertainty or change, and offer practical insight into how to engage with them.
Owls listen deeply, read the room and understand others, and use their influence primarily for the greater good of the organisation. Their strength lies in thoughtful influence and relational depth. However, their preference for reflection can slow decision-making, and their high standards may create distance if not balanced with accessibility.
Foxes are agile and perceptive. They read the room and understand others, navigating complexity with charm. Their ability to build alliances and shape perception is powerful but tends toward self-interest and advancing their own agenda. Foxes thrive in fast-moving environments but benefit from anchoring their influence in shared purpose.
Sheep prioritise harmony and goodwill. Like owls they act primarily for the greater good, being principled, collaborative and often trusted for their sincerity. Their commitment to fairness is a strength, but without the Owl’s ability to read the room and understand others, they can be seen as naively principled and missing commercial acumen.
Donkeys are pragmatic and persistent, often focussing on delivery and operational detail. While their directness can be refreshing, limited relational awareness and a tendency toward their own self-interest can make collaboration difficult. Donkeys benefit from support in reading context and building trust, especially in change-heavy environments.
We can’t all be the same. Understanding which archetype most reflects your habits and those of your colleagues helps clarify who you are, who you’re working with and how to engage purposefully and utilise your skills effectively.
Lessons from the field
Across our work, we have seen recurring patterns in how people navigate power. Contact us to access practical insight into charm, passivity, wisdom and ego in action along with tools for reflection and personal development.
Dancing with foxes: Navigating charm and cunning in organisational life
From sheep to owl: Developing political acumen with integrity
Owls in the wild: Lessons from the wisest leaders we have met
When the ass is in charge: Surviving poor leadership with grace and strategy
Choosing how you show up
Political skill is a form of intelligence you can cultivate. By understanding the system, honouring your values and acting with intention, you shape how your reputation grows. Influence determines whether you are merely present or meaningfully powerful. Use it well.
See also, Managing stakeholders wisely →
