I don't think that's their point.

I think their point is that you can have influence without doing these things.

Then I was misunderstood as well.

As if anyone, myself included, would suggest that my listed items are the only way to influence your employer is a hilariously bad faith read.

I take issue with TFA framing the problem of people saying they hate "employment politics" as a you problem when I am of the opinion it is a leadership problem. Bad leaders fail to, or refuse to, see the things I listed as "bad politics".

Just take my supplements, bro. It'll fix your "soft skills", bro.

I think you were misunderstood as well, yes.