What The Traitors Taught Us About Office Politics

What The Traitors Taught Us About Office Politics

January 30, 2025

The BBC’s “The Traitors” captivated UK audiences with its combination of dishonesty, strategy, human psychology, and Claudia Winkleman’s outfit choices. While the show’s Scottish Highland castle setting may seem far removed from the office and WFH culture, contestant dynamics mirror many workplace situations. Here, we worked with the team at Simply Academy to reveal how professionals can learn valuable lessons from the show’s gripping ups and downs, from trust-building to navigating conflict.

Emotional Intelligence Is a Superpower

The Traitors is an excellent example of success that does not necessarily rely on strategy but on people skilled at reading a room and managing others’ perceptions. This emotional intelligence proves invaluable in professional settings, where understanding and navigating workplace dynamics is crucial for career advancement.

The cast of The Traitors who make the final often keeps their cool under pressure and display authentic empathy. These skills are vital in the workplace, particularly in senior management roles. Practicing non-verbal cues in meetings, frequently seeking feedback, and always considering other people’s perspectives.

Alliances Go Further Than Individual Talent

The Traitors continually proves that lone wolves rarely thrive despite their individual talents. Accomplishment comes down to forming and developing the right partnerships. This mirrors the modern workplace, where collaboration and networking are instrumental in advancing your career.

The Traitors highlights the importance of building meaningful relationships across varying personality types and working styles. This is especially crucial in the culture of hybrid working, where workplace relationships continue to be redefined.

Actively seek opportunities to work with colleagues outside your immediate department. Build a diverse network within your workplace and actively maintain these relationships. It’s no exaggeration to say that every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce your professional partnership.

Managing Reputation is a Full-Time Job

In The Traitors, contestants rapidly learn that perception is reality. Just one action or clumsy exchange can be detrimental to trust. This mirrors the workplace environment, where professional reputation determines opportunities for career progression.

Consciously audit your professional brand by seeking feedback from colleagues and management.

Trust is a Currency

The Traitors sees competitors determine who to believe whilst knowing a handful of participants are working against the group for their own personal gain. Such a dynamic is often seen in the workplace, where collaboration is essential, but blind trust can be risky. Ultimately, the show portrays how confident personalities can influence the outcome, and alliances often dictate it.

Even if you fully trust your colleagues, document essential conversations and create clear timelines with who is responsible for the deliverables to avoid unnecessary conflict. Regularly check in with colleagues to ensure everyone is on the same page. This isn’t acting on distrust but ensuring that professionalism and standards are maintained.

Adaptability Triumphs Over Perfect Planning

The most successful participants in The Traitors alter their tactics as circumstances change. What’s particularly relevant about the show is how it displays the value of reading situations and adapting in real-time. Contestants who stick rigidly to their initial strategy are often outmanoeuvred by more adaptable players, much like we see in rapidly evolving industries.

Develop contingency plans for projects and be willing to pivot when situations adjust. Regular scenario planning exercises can help build this flexibility muscle. Stay informed about industry trends and be proactive about updating your skills to remain adaptable.

Lessons from “The Traitors” are becoming increasingly relevant from series to series. The show’s emphasis on developing trust in complex social situations, managing interactions across different personality types, and adapting to changing circumstances mirrors the challenges employees face.

Heather Williams is an experienced copywriter who has written on a diverse range of subjects. As a passionate writer, she has contributed to Your Coffee Break Magazine, Lucky Assignments and Gum Essays, as well as other online magazines & websites for over 5 years.