January/February, 2026  

Redefining Office Politics for Workplace Success

Kay Fittes, February, 2026

If you read the words in the photo on the left about office politics, you will only see one positive word – allies.  Unfortunately, this is how many people react to a conversation about office politics, NEGATIVELY!  They conjure up negative thoughts like backstabbing, lies, revenge, sabotage, etc.  Certainly, I have worked in environments where this was in play, you probably have, too.  Yet, if you ignore office politics, your career may get left in the dust of others moving ahead while you are standing still.

[Read More]

Kay’s Consulting Corner

Each month in this section, Kay offers actionable career consulting tips.

The Quick Start Guide to Office Politics

Now that you feel less intimidated by the concept of office politics, what can you do ASAP to get the ball rolling?  Remember the quote from Al-Ghazali, ancient Muslim scholar, “Knowledge without action is wastefulness and action without knowledge is foolishness.”

1. List.  Make a list of the people with whom you have frequent or periodic interactions.  List their strengths and expertise.  Consider how this strength or expertise could benefit you.  Rate the influence you believe each of these people wield. Unsure of that?  See the questions in step #2.
   
   
2. Probe.  Ask the following questions to probe why people on your list have influence:
   • Whose expertise is highly respected?
   • Who is respected because of their ethics?
   • Who does everyone seem to like?
   • Who are people afraid of?
   
   
3. Choose.  Who on your list do you like, respect, and see as influential?  Start deepening THAT relationship!  Decide on a first step you will take this week to nurture a connection with that individual.  Maybe you will make a connection for them.  Perhaps you will send them information that will solve a problem for them.  Maybe you will go to coffee and be a listening ear.  The list is endless, just get creative.
   

Do these steps seem ineffectual to you?  Want to do a much deeper dive?  Coaching might be the next step for you.  We can, at least, have an initial conversation about this.  Let’s do a short 45 minutes on the phone together, no charge.  Email kay@highheeledsuccess.com or call (513) 561-4288 and we will get you scheduled.

Testimonial: Kelly Gray

I’m happy to recommend Kay Fittes, CEO of High-Heeled Success, LLC, following her presentation, “Presentations That Wow Your Audience” on May 13, 2025.  Kay brought incredible energy to the room and delivered practical, easy-to-implement ideas that truly resonated with our audience.  Her engaging style, relatable humor, and clear takeaways gave attendees tools they could immediately apply, which led to very positive feedback.  She was also professional and easy to work with throughout the process, taking time to understand our audience and tailor her message.  I would gladly welcome the opportunity to have Kay present again – she brings energy, credibility, and real value to every group she serves.

Kelly Gray, Owner, Hot Head Burritos Franchising Company, Dayton, Ohio

Make it a great day!
Kelly Gray, CCIM
Vice President and Co-Owner

2795 Culver Ave
Kettering, OH 45429
(937) 470-3002
kelly@hotheadburritos.com

High-Heeled Success^® supports Dress for Success through donations of clothing, time and money.  We offer complimentary seats at every workshop for women participating in the Dress for Success program.

Share This Newsletter With Others:

Please take a moment and share this with your friends and colleagues who you think might benefit.

Find Us Here:

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on X (Twitter)

Watch us on YouTube

Connect with us on LinkedIn

See us on Instagram

Contact Info:

Website:  https://highheeledsuccess.com

Email:  kay@highheeledsuccess.com

Phone:  (513) 561-4288

© Copyright 2026.  Kay Fittes.  All Rights Reserved.