Book Review: Its All Politics

The full title is Its all Politics: Winning in a world where hard work and talent aren't enough, by Katherine Kelly Reardon, Ph.D.

I wish I read this book about 7 years ago. too young and I would have failed to understand its significance, but after 7 years at the same place with the mentors I have had (you all know who you are), the information contained in this book has been internalized through experience. this is not to say its not worth the read or to have on one’s bookshelf as a refresher. in summary, the author contends that it is not what you know but it is who you know and how you relate to others that will have a greater effect on your success. based on my experience she is correct, and I’ve seen it in action. working at a large high tech firm I see absolutely brilliant people who are passed over because they lack political savvy. sometimes, this is an active choice, in others it is a motivational choice. the certain thing is that those who make thinking politically part of their lives generally have more success than those that don’t.

this book is written for people who are just starting out their careers or who have gone to public school and have noticed their career growth not as rapid as their peers. all the private school kids know this stuff already. and if you think you are going to make it on your technical talent alone, you are wrong and should listen to the dr.

one surprise in this book is the end. most business books end up being a few ideas in the first 20 pages, then beaten to death and double spaced to occupy an entire 200 pages. this author actually has some of her strongest and most useful writing for EVERYONE in the last 2 chapters of the book which I would recommend to EVERYONE and make it worth the purchase price and reading time. the rest of the book is a skim for those that have been around awhile but great stuff for the beginner type A who played too many video games as a kid.

3.5 out of 5.