If you've spent your career in a male-dominated industry, "not playing politics" often becomes code for staying quiet, staying small, and letting other people take credit for work you did.

I coach women who are done with that self-defeating loop. They want to lead in a way that's honest, that earns positive influence, and that doesn't cost them their integrity to get it. Here's a case study of what that looks like in action and words.

You'll speak up in a meeting and offer a strategic solution to a shared problem only to be unacknowledged, ignored, or worse yet, shushed. 

Then a colleague -- almost always a man -- will paraphrase your idea and get praised for it. 

Next time something like this happens to you, please for the love of Jove -- do NOT stay silent.