Want a Promotion? Work Less

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Think working hard is the way to climb the corporate ladder? Think again. As Aldo Sterone puts it, 'Work less if you want to move up.' And Robert Greene reminds us, 'Stick to your role—do not overstep.' Today, we’ll explore how to balance working less, play politics strategically, and get promoted—without losing credibility.

Why Overworking Keeps You Stuck

Aldo Sterone, in Toxic: Corporate Survival Guide, warns against overworking. Doing your job too well can make you indispensable—and irreplaceable. Instead of promoting you, your boss may see you as 'too good to lose.' You’ll be stuck where you are, watching others climb the ranks while you do all the heavy lifting.

Balancing Working Less with Credibility

But how do you work less without looking lazy? Here's the balance:

1. Focus on priorities. Deliver on key tasks that demonstrate your impact while delegating or saying no to low-value work.

2. Be visible. Attend key meetings, contribute strategically, and make sure your contributions are noticed by the right people.

3. Maintain quality. Working less doesn’t mean slacking off—it means being efficient and effective.

Working less isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about doing what matters most and leaving space for the next point: politics.

Why 70% of Work is Politics

Sterone claims, 'Success in business is 30% work and 70% politics.' What does this mean? Networking and alliances are more valuable than just grinding away at your desk.

Building relationships helps you understand the power dynamics in your workplace. It positions you for opportunities that hard work alone won’t uncover. This means going to bars and restaurants with colleagues—even if it means delaying a high-ticket client issue, as long as management isn’t forcing you to stay late. Let the client wait; use that time to network, build alliances, and show your face where it matters. Don’t be like the crown-keeper who overstepped in Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power.

Networking is part of the job. If the company rewards those who socialize, then socialize. Stop feeling guilty for playing politics—it’s what gets noticed.

Lessons from Ancient China

Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power shares the story of a crown-keeper in ancient China who overstepped his role by trying to help the ruler. The result? He was executed. Greene’s lesson: 'Stick to your role and never try too hard to prove your worth.'

Don’t go above and beyond in ways that aren’t aligned with your role. Instead, focus on being seen as competent while preserving your energy for political moves.

The key to getting promoted isn’t just working hard—it’s about working smart. Balance your workload, build your network, and remember: perception is everything. Share your thoughts in the comments and hit subscribe for more strategies to thrive in the corporate world.

Books used for this letter:

Toxic: Corporate Survival Guide - https://amzn.to/3ZB4n8s 

The 48 Laws of Power - https://amzn.to/4gyR5jY

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