I Planted a Rumor to Win at Office Politics (Leadership Lessons No One Teaches)
I Planted a Rumor to Win at Office Politics (Leadership Lessons No One Teaches)  
Podcast: The Next-Level Paycheck
Published On: Fri Feb 20 2026
Description: Office politics isn’t optional — it’s part of leadership.In this episode, I share real stories about planting a rumor, navigating backroom deals, using the grapevine strategically, and learning how power actually moves inside organizations. These aren’t textbook leadership lessons — they’re survival lessons.We explore Machiavellian leadership, political strategy, and how to use soft skills, information control, and influence ethically to gain advantage in male-dominated workplaces.If you’ve been stuck at the same level, feeling overlooked while others rise through politics, this conversation will change how you see leadership and power.You’re not stuck because you’re incapable. You’re stuck because you’ve been doing it alone.Take the leadership assessment and unlock your next level.👇 Start now with the assessment: Take $2000 Leadership Growth Assessment - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/kxISU2H1HJoin 7 day Leadership Sprint - https://nblnhiao.formester.com/f/fgBS17zPAStart 21 day Leadership Acceleration Series - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/dyHbzaC1HFree Ebooks Resource Hub - https://lindacureton.com/hub/00:00 – I Planted a Rumor (Here’s Why)00:19 – Using Politics to Your Advantage00:39 – Leadership Assessment Invitation01:19 – Positive vs Negative Office Politics01:54 – What Is Machiavellian Leadership?02:31 – Who Was Machiavelli?03:26 – “The End Justifies the Means” Explained04:16 – Manipulation vs Strategic Influence05:27 – Understanding the Organizational Grapevine06:18 – How I Used Gossip Strategically06:35 – Lesson #2: Backroom Deals07:09 – Decisions Made in the Men’s Room07:48 – Golf Courses & Political Access08:17 – The “Sugar Daddy” Story08:54 – Lesson #3: Hoard Information Strategically09:32 – Using Information at the Right Time10:23 – You’re Not Stuck — You’re Doing It Alone10:42 – Leadership Test & Next Steps#OfficePolitics #WomenInLeadership #LeadershipSkills #CareerGrowth #Machiavelli #WorkplaceStrategy #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipDevelopment