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    The Politics of Promotion by Bonnie Marcus Summary

    The Politics of Promotion
    Bonnie Marcus
    3.82 (131 Reviews)
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    Overview of The Politics of Promotion

    In "The Politics of Promotion," Bonnie Marcus reveals why only 5.2% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women and delivers the political playbook they don't teach you in business school - endorsed by industry leaders for helping women advance while staying authentically themselves.

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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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    Ever wondered why that brilliant colleague keeps getting passed over for promotions while someone less qualified moves up? The answer lies in a force that shapes every organization but rarely appears in job descriptions: office politics. This invisible current determines who advances and who stagnates, regardless of talent or work ethic. The corporate world operates on an unspoken set of rules where performance is just one piece of a complex puzzle. Your ability to navigate relationships, understand power dynamics, and strategically position yourself matters just as much as - sometimes more than - your actual work. The meritocracy myth blindsides thousands of women daily. We're raised believing hard work and excellence naturally lead to recognition, but this childhood lesson doesn't translate to professional settings. Take Cathie Black's experience as NYC schools chancellor - despite her impressive track record as president of Hearst Magazines, she failed spectacularly because New Yorkers viewed her as an education outsider. Even highly competent female executives get blindsided by political barriers they never saw coming. Every organization has different dynamics, with each team having its own language, success metrics, and unwritten rules. You must adapt not just to advance but to maintain your position.

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