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The Secret Handshake: Mastering the Politics of the Business Inner Circle
Most people climbing the corporate ladder have their eyes set on entering the upper echelons of management, the inner circle, the select group of men and women who make the decisions, determine the direction of a company, and are well compensated for their efforts. But advice on how to break in is not outlined in employee handbooks, nor are the guidelines publicly stated. In fact, the implicit rules and agendas often run counter to a company's professed guidelines and values. In THE SECRET HANDSHAKE , top corporate consultant and USC management professor emerita Kathleen Reardon explores and explains what the hidden rules are, and how to become one of the "ins" in corporate life rather than one of the also-rans. Shortly after its release, the hardcover edition of THE SECRET HANDSHAKE reached Number 2 of the most popular Nonfiction Bestsellers among Amazon.com customers.
Based on hundreds of candid interviews with executives at Fortune 500 companies who have made the grade and become part of the inner circle, THE SECRET HANDSHAKE lays bare the unstated conventions that govern and shape corporate hierarchies. Taking readers inside boardrooms to learn firsthand how the top decision-makers view and assess the employees under them, it offers invaluable advice on such career-building tactics and skills as getting noticed, networking, persuading others, knowing which battles to fight, and mastering the art of the quid pro quo. For all those who aspire to be part of the decision-making body of their organization, THE SECRET HANDSHAKE is the ultimate intelligence report on whom to trust and whom to watch out for, how to manage the inevitable conflicts that will arise, and how to read between the corporate lines.
Based on hundreds of candid interviews with executives at Fortune 500 companies who have made the grade and become part of the inner circle, THE SECRET HANDSHAKE lays bare the unstated conventions that govern and shape corporate hierarchies. Taking readers inside boardrooms to learn firsthand how the top decision-makers view and assess the employees under them, it offers invaluable advice on such career-building tactics and skills as getting noticed, networking, persuading others, knowing which battles to fight, and mastering the art of the quid pro quo. For all those who aspire to be part of the decision-making body of their organization, THE SECRET HANDSHAKE is the ultimate intelligence report on whom to trust and whom to watch out for, how to manage the inevitable conflicts that will arise, and how to read between the corporate lines.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
72 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 16, 2009
Informed guide on how to use politics to get ahead
In 1513, Niccolò Machiavelli wrote The Prince, the classic work on how to acquire and maintain power through the ruthless use of insidious politics. Machiavelli argued that when it comes to politics, morality is passé, and hypocrisy and deceit can be eminently useful. Nearly 500 years later, management expert Kathleen Kelley Reardon introduces her own book on the subject of politics and how to use political techniques to get ahead. She details the indispensable political skills that ambitious individuals need to move up inside any modern organization, and explains how to use them effectively and ethically. getAbstract appreciates Reardon’s comprehensive understanding, savvy and wisdom concerning the business world’s most nuanced and little understood subject: personal politics. Many dislike politics and find its practice unseemly. However, as Reardon writes, without it, nothing gets done and no one gets ahead. Once you accept this fact, learning how to use politics morally and advantageously makes perfect sense.
In 1513, Niccolò Machiavelli wrote The Prince, the classic work on how to acquire and maintain power through the ruthless use of insidious politics. Machiavelli argued that when it comes to politics, morality is passé, and hypocrisy and deceit can be eminently useful. Nearly 500 years later, management expert Kathleen Kelley Reardon introduces her own book on the subject of politics and how to use political techniques to get ahead. She details the indispensable political skills that ambitious individuals need to move up inside any modern organization, and explains how to use them effectively and ethically. getAbstract appreciates Reardon’s comprehensive understanding, savvy and wisdom concerning the business world’s most nuanced and little understood subject: personal politics. Many dislike politics and find its practice unseemly. However, as Reardon writes, without it, nothing gets done and no one gets ahead. Once you accept this fact, learning how to use politics morally and advantageously makes perfect sense.
March 14, 2018
This book is extremely useful to me because I have shied away from politics previously.
I feel this book is a realistic application of emotional intelligence. A lot of it is how to read people and assess the situations before reacting to them. It is useful that the author provided questionnaires to assess the reader's own leadership and negotiation styles. The analytical side of these is very appealing to me.
Another aspect I appreciate about this book is the empirical approach to the subject. It is all meant to be an experiment that involves making a hypothesis and testing it. The constant action, observation, and feedback are what makes a master. It is liberating to learn that I don't need to be a master to participate in the game.
There are many examples in the book. They are analyzed so that the readers can look for signs in similar situations. Also in places, several different potential responses are given and analyzed so that the readers can think more about their own answers and expand their repertoire to be more flexible.
Highly recommend to a novice in politics. There are some actionable items, but not too many. Most of the book explains the situations from different perspectives that are new to me. For the political savvy ones, this book might be shallow. But I would not know that.
I feel this book is a realistic application of emotional intelligence. A lot of it is how to read people and assess the situations before reacting to them. It is useful that the author provided questionnaires to assess the reader's own leadership and negotiation styles. The analytical side of these is very appealing to me.
Another aspect I appreciate about this book is the empirical approach to the subject. It is all meant to be an experiment that involves making a hypothesis and testing it. The constant action, observation, and feedback are what makes a master. It is liberating to learn that I don't need to be a master to participate in the game.
There are many examples in the book. They are analyzed so that the readers can look for signs in similar situations. Also in places, several different potential responses are given and analyzed so that the readers can think more about their own answers and expand their repertoire to be more flexible.
Highly recommend to a novice in politics. There are some actionable items, but not too many. Most of the book explains the situations from different perspectives that are new to me. For the political savvy ones, this book might be shallow. But I would not know that.
August 29, 2008
Interesting exploration of workplace politics and how to negotiate one's way within various settings. Although not a major focus of the book, this excerpt has stayed with me for weeks: "While both men and women need to be competent to be promoted, there's a greater tendency to promote men on potential and women on their track record."
May 21, 2019
A hidden political prowess by master of people communication skill.
October 13, 2024
Work politics are such a mystery to me and this book laid out a lot of techniques that people might be using at work that was really eye opening. I liked the sections where the author breaks it down into different styles, it felt really inclusive. I learned a lot from this.
April 24, 2021
This book sat on my bookshelf for the better part of a month until one day I realized it had never been read. I purchased it as a part of a multi book sale but for some odd reason I forgot about it.
Well..truth be told theres nothing ground breaking here. Nothing a politically/strategically astute person could not pick up. If you pay attention to your work environment, everyone is broadcasting who they are and what they can do. Mind you there are certain tips and tricks (Navigating the conversation to your favor, heightened negotiation skills, relationship building) that with a little nudge (Thank you Richard Thaler) will get you noticed by the inner circle.
I found the book in some ways a bit dated in its approach (See section on Michael Eisner and email) but one major takeaway was from a discussion with a dean at USC. When confronted with a challenge the ones who really do well ask themselves “Who can help me with this” while the ones who do moderately ask “What can I do about this”. That went a looooong way with me
Well..truth be told theres nothing ground breaking here. Nothing a politically/strategically astute person could not pick up. If you pay attention to your work environment, everyone is broadcasting who they are and what they can do. Mind you there are certain tips and tricks (Navigating the conversation to your favor, heightened negotiation skills, relationship building) that with a little nudge (Thank you Richard Thaler) will get you noticed by the inner circle.
I found the book in some ways a bit dated in its approach (See section on Michael Eisner and email) but one major takeaway was from a discussion with a dean at USC. When confronted with a challenge the ones who really do well ask themselves “Who can help me with this” while the ones who do moderately ask “What can I do about this”. That went a looooong way with me
April 4, 2012
You don't have to like office politics... but you must be aware of them if you want to (a) keep your job and (b) thrive in your career.
This book will help you understand the style of your organization, and how your personality will fit in (or not, and what you can do about it). A must read.
This book will help you understand the style of your organization, and how your personality will fit in (or not, and what you can do about it). A must read.
July 3, 2024
Helpful in many ways, but the authors habit of attributing well known quotes and stories to the Executives she interviewed for the book was painful and annoying.
November 4, 2016
Its very old-school, complete with magazine-esque scoring sheets to figure out what kind of political person you are. Reardon actually talks about the Handshake less as a metahpor and more like it really exists along with secret decoder rings and matching lycra power suits (imagine a boardroom full of power rangers wearing ties). What I'm most amazed by is that it was only published in 2002 and not in 1985.
I did find her definition of politics as "going outside the normal processes to get things done" as thought provoking for the rest you can skip it
I did find her definition of politics as "going outside the normal processes to get things done" as thought provoking for the rest you can skip it
January 14, 2024
I wish I had read this book years ago! It would have been a game changer. It has real world examples and actionable advice for how to handle them professionally and with a positive outcome. It helps you identify your leadership and political style as well as observe, identify, and understand others. As someone who hates politics, it made me appreciation them and understand when it is necessary for business communications. It is an invaluable book! I will definitely keep and revisit it when needed.
June 30, 2019
The bad: Hm. Unlike other books on office politics, this one doesn't really say much. It has some interesting lessons, but few and far in between.
The good: still an average read with some value on the topic.
The good: still an average read with some value on the topic.
August 24, 2018
As a person new to office politics , I find this book very helpful and easy to understand. I like the many convoluted situations mentioned in the book and their solutions.
January 31, 2019
ok book. Had already read most of it from other books.
November 5, 2019
Good view of how politics at work are. Simple and direct to know if you need to leave your job due to the lack of opportunities.
May 27, 2021
soft skills i didnt realize i needed
April 30, 2023
This book is fine. I was dealing with some work stuff and wanted perspective and it was helpful and short but not exactly riveting.
December 27, 2023
Several chapters of this book were so relevant to me. I started thinking it was an extended memo written just to me & for me. Bravo.
January 30, 2024
This book documents a lot of the unwritten rules in organizations and provides a constructive framework for thinking about office politics.
August 25, 2015
The book is The Prince, modernized. The author is aware of the parallels. In Chapter 13, titled “Channeling Machiavelli,” she writes that “I even began to feel a kind of uneasy sympathy for Machiavelli.” But she reassures herself. She knows that, realistically, it’s an illusion to get into the upper echelons of success (“the secret handshake”) on “technical competence” or on “brain power alone.” “In a way,” she concludes, “That’s what Machiavelli was trying to explain when he wrote The Prince.” But, in a way, Machiavelli's "ends justify the means" advice was, ostensibly, also about promoting the public's interest, not about personal advancement or private profit.
This book is all about those essential dos and don’ts that go beyond competence and brainpower. It’s about the art of self presentation. It’s about “impression management,”* the subtle and not-so-subtle submission and dominance rituals, about “developing your favor bank,”** and about meeting the right people by “strategic chance.” It’s de Waal’s apes, in suits.
Reardon describes well, extremely well, the realities of organizational politics. Give her credit for that. A book like this should force a serious self-examination about the meaning of success and integrity and whether it’s possible to walk that fine line between selling oneself (competence, honesty, conscientiousness) and selling one’s soul. The author devised a procedure called “PURRR” to tell her clients how to “read between the lines.” Cats, she adds, don’t “just dart outside before checking the terrain.” Cats read the room so to say, but that’s about all they have in common with what the author is putting forward.
Reardon endorses what she describes. It’s hard to imagine having a conversation with her. And it’s hard not to read this book without thinking that it too is about self-marketing (it’s subtle; it’s smooth) at the highest level.
*”Impression management is a personal power tactic. An organized office and consistent punctuality can convey the impression that a person has an organized mind. Good grooming and tasteful clothing suggest confidence and pride. Walking briskly and looking busy but not harried, especially in times of stress, can convey capability. Humor under such conditions indicates charm and composure.
“It’s even important to notice what the heavy hitters are wearing, how their voices sound, when they speak and for how long, with what amount of humor, and the many other ways they go about impressing people.
**”One of the most common errors in the back-and-forth of favors is insufficient gratitude. For large favors, gratitude for a lifetime might be in order. When that person calls on you for assistance, you provide it. This doesn’t mean you lose all integrity and reciprocate in whatever fashion desired by the favor donor. Hopefully, he or she won’t expect that of you.”
This book is all about those essential dos and don’ts that go beyond competence and brainpower. It’s about the art of self presentation. It’s about “impression management,”* the subtle and not-so-subtle submission and dominance rituals, about “developing your favor bank,”** and about meeting the right people by “strategic chance.” It’s de Waal’s apes, in suits.
Reardon describes well, extremely well, the realities of organizational politics. Give her credit for that. A book like this should force a serious self-examination about the meaning of success and integrity and whether it’s possible to walk that fine line between selling oneself (competence, honesty, conscientiousness) and selling one’s soul. The author devised a procedure called “PURRR” to tell her clients how to “read between the lines.” Cats, she adds, don’t “just dart outside before checking the terrain.” Cats read the room so to say, but that’s about all they have in common with what the author is putting forward.
Reardon endorses what she describes. It’s hard to imagine having a conversation with her. And it’s hard not to read this book without thinking that it too is about self-marketing (it’s subtle; it’s smooth) at the highest level.
*”Impression management is a personal power tactic. An organized office and consistent punctuality can convey the impression that a person has an organized mind. Good grooming and tasteful clothing suggest confidence and pride. Walking briskly and looking busy but not harried, especially in times of stress, can convey capability. Humor under such conditions indicates charm and composure.
“It’s even important to notice what the heavy hitters are wearing, how their voices sound, when they speak and for how long, with what amount of humor, and the many other ways they go about impressing people.
**”One of the most common errors in the back-and-forth of favors is insufficient gratitude. For large favors, gratitude for a lifetime might be in order. When that person calls on you for assistance, you provide it. This doesn’t mean you lose all integrity and reciprocate in whatever fashion desired by the favor donor. Hopefully, he or she won’t expect that of you.”
June 9, 2017
I listened to this book on audio and it's probably better in the print version so you can take notes. There are some good tips and lots of examples to understand how the politics works and how to move ahead and get yourself into the inner circle. In these types of books, however, I wish the authors would give more balanced examples, from all types of folks, not just left wing politicians and the like. But, then again, most of the writers tend to be of this mindset. There are two quiz/evaluations that might help you figure out what type of person you are-go for it.
Again, there is good advice here if you can figure out how to use it in your business and daily life.
Again, there is good advice here if you can figure out how to use it in your business and daily life.
November 3, 2010
Decent discussion of corporate politics and how to avoid being sidelined. Encourages one to understand the politics of their organization and embrace politics as a tool to getting ahead. Good examples of how to diffuse conflicts and manage conversations. Prefer the Career Warfare books by D'Alessandro
July 10, 2016
If, like me, you have never seriously studied office politics, then you need to read this book. Built like a textbook, this meaty subject is broken down into digestable bits with plenty of practical examples and explain the how and why of office politics. Politics is here defined as "how things get done" and it's true. This is a critical read for your career.
April 25, 2010
Interesting book. I read it for my politics class and it gave me insight into how to read people and build better working relationships with them. Though, I will say there are some things I don't agree with but that could just be me.
June 25, 2013
Excellent book, very practical, does not have the touchy-feely, politically correct, "let's love each other" approach that others books on teh sane theme have. A must-read for the politically savvy wannabees
October 4, 2013
I found this book somewhat revealing for some of the organizational cultures I have encountered. Had some good ideas for these competitive times but it did get dry in places. It is worth the read as I have never encountered another book like it.
July 10, 2012
I wish I had known years ago what I am learning from reading this book!
December 16, 2012
Had some food for thought and some good ideas but still a rather cynical view of career development
March 29, 2013
A should-read book on office politics which will happen to you and around you whether you participate in politics or not.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews