Office politics and family politics run on the same currency: power.
But real leadership? It lives in how you hold space.
Sometimes the boardroom and the living room feel exactly the same.
Only difference is — one gives you a payslip, the other gives you a plate.
Last week, I found myself in two “meetings.”
One at work. One at home.
Different rooms, same energy:
- Tension.
- Carefully chosen words.
- Smiles that weren’t really smiling.
- And a quiet test of who really holds the power.
In the office, it was about roles, responsibilities, and decisions made in someone else’s absence.
At home, it was about a cousin who had made a mistake, and who was going to be the one to say the hard truth.
I sat in both rooms — not just with opinions, but with a voice.
And I realized something:
Office politics and family politics have the same currency — power, perception, and positioning.
But here’s the story I haven’t told until now:
Some time ago, I was negotiating a new opportunity.
On paper, it looked good. But something in my gut said, “Negotiate — don’t just accept.”
I was nervous. What if I lose the offer? What if I sound ungrateful?
Still, I took a breath, did my homework, and asked. Politely, respectfully — but firmly.
And you know what they said?
“We were waiting for you to ask.”
That moment taught me something priceless:
You don’t just get what you deserve — you get what you negotiate.
And that lesson? It doesn’t just live in job offers.
It lives in everyday conversations — at work, at home, even in your internal battles.
Mastering negotiation isn’t just about salaries. It’s about understanding influence.
Knowing when to press. When to pause. When to present your worth without over-explaining it.
Here’s what I’ve learned about navigating both worlds:
Presence matters.
Whether you’re invited or not — show up grounded. People watch how you carry yourself more than what you say.
Information is power.
Don’t be the last to know in the office or in the family. Ask questions. Pay attention to the stories people avoid.
Not every issue deserves your voice.
Sometimes your power is in restraint. People remember who stayed calm when things got messy.
Speak — when it counts.
Your silence shouldn’t be mistaken for indifference. But your words shouldn’t be wasted either. Timing is everything.
Your values must travel with you.
Don’t shrink at work to be accepted. Don’t dim at home to keep peace. Authenticity wins in the long run.
And negotiate like your peace depends on it.
Because often, it does. Don’t just take what you’re given — ask for what aligns with your value. It’s not pride. It’s stewardship.
I left both those meetings knowing that my leadership wasn’t in dominating the conversation…
It was in how I held space.
How I listened.
How I chose clarity over chaos.
Leadership is not just a title at work. It’s how you carry yourself in every room.
So whether you’re navigating office drama or family tension — may you remember this:
You don’t always need to win the argument. Sometimes, your posture says enough.
And the strongest people in the room?
They’re often the ones who know when to speak… and when to simply smile, listen, and lead anyway.
