[Verse 1] You know what's right, you've done your research But there's a system that you have to work It's not about permission, it's about the game Give them what they need to feel the same Paper trails and briefings, documentation too Not because you can't decide what to do But coalitions need their signals to align Make your choice and draw the dotted line [Chorus] Strategic compliance, play it smart Give the governance, keep your heart Make the call you know is right But light the path so they can fight for you Strategic compliance, that's the way Autonomy and process both can stay It's not cynical, it's how coalitions work Give them cover while you do the work [Verse 2] Brief your sponsor before you make the hire Not for permission but to build their fire Send your manager all the forms they need So when they defend you, they can succeed Every frustrating process has a why Competence says "this is just a lie" But dig deeper to the trust it's meant to solve Someone's problem that you need to resolve [Chorus] Strategic compliance, play it smart Give the governance, keep your heart Make the call you know is right But light the path so they can fight for you Strategic compliance, that's the way Autonomy and process both can stay It's not cynical, it's how coalitions work Give them cover while you do the work [Bridge] Formal rules and informal ways Metis wisdom in bureaucratic maze If you can't see whose trust problem it serves You don't understand the system's curves [Chorus] Strategic compliance, play it smart Give the governance, keep your heart Make the call you know is right But light the path so they can fight for you Strategic compliance, that's the way Autonomy and process both can stay It's not cynical, it's how coalitions work Give them cover while you do the work [Outro] Navigate the trust, preserve your choice Give the system what it needs to hear your voice Strategic compliance sets you free To manage how it's meant to be
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