Political Savvy
In the Work Place
August 8, 2013
Claudette Johnson
Cassandra Blackwell
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Political Savvy Objectives

Define Political Savvy
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Test Your Political Savvy IQ

Identify Six Key Strategies for Political
Savvy Individuals
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What is Political Savvy?

Actively recognizing and acting upon the
internal and external politics that impact the
work of the organization
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Ethically building a critical mass of support
for an idea you care about
Being aware of the culture and
relationships within an organization
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Why is Political Savvy Important?
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Political savvy is necessary to:
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Manage office politics and get things done
Protect ourselves from political tactics
Avoid political blunders
Position ourselves for the future
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What is Your Political Style?
Initiates
Negative
Neutral
Positive
Irresponsible
Responsible
Leader
Manipulator
 Looks out for #1

Obligation
 Comes with
territory

Protector
Predicts
File Builder
 Defensive

Speculator

Cynic
Responds
I told you so
 Gossip

Play Maker
 Impact player

Grapevine
Advisor

Fatalist

Que Sera Sera
Counselor
Spectator
Fan
 Encourager

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Activity: Your Politically Savvy IQ
Test Your Political Savvy IQ
The Political Savvy I.Q. test is a learning
tool. It is designed to elicit individual
preconceived ideas about political savvy.
Many of those ideas were found to be
inaccurate.
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What are the Characteristics of a
Politically Savvy Person?
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Uses intuition
Has focus and orientation towards goals
Uses relationship knowledge
Discusses controversial issues in nonoffensive way
Manages impressions
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What are the Characteristics of a
Politically Savvy Person?
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Obtains support for one’s ideas
Knows when to follow chain of command
Acts friendly and social with co-workers
Supports their leader
Avoids gossip
Uses organizational grapevine wisely
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Who Needs to Be Politically Savvy?


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Employees at all levels
Managers
Leaders
Political savvy has little to do with one’s place in
the hierarchy…anyone can have political savvy
regardless of position in the company ~ Joel
DeLuca, Author of Politically Savvy
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What Does it Mean to be Politically Savvy
at the IRS?
Personal Leadership – Behavior: Political Savvy
Definition: Recognizes and acts upon the internal and
external politics that impact the work of the organization.

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Approaches each problem situation with a clear
perception of organizational and political reality;
Recognizes the impact of alternative courses of action.
Utilizes the most effective channels to accomplish
organizational goals. Influences others to accomplish
business objectives.
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What Does it Mean to be Politically Savvy at the IRS?
Levels
Examples Observed
Political Savvy Employee: Recognizes the formal
structure/capabilities of the organization and how it relates to
own responsibilities. Utilizes the formal structure of the
organization, rules and regulations, internal policies and
procedures, etc., to accomplish work objectives. Develops
awareness of informal structure and contacts/networks that
assist in achieving tasks.
Political Savvy Front Line Manager: Understands and utilizes
informal (key actors, decision-influencers, etc.) and formal
structures appropriately. Understands organizational realities,
politics, networks, and accepted practices. Recognizes potential
problems, seeks advice, and keeps manager informed as
necessary.
Political Savvy Department Manager: Responsibility levels fall
between front line manager and senior manager. Department
managers should display the behaviors of a front line manager
and some of the behaviors of a senior manager.
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HCO Office of Leadership Succession Planning
What Does it Mean to be Politically
Savvy at the IRS?
Levels
Examples Observed
Political Savvy Senior Manager: Understands the
relationships within and among groups and how the actions
of one group impacts others. Recognizes unspoken
organizational limitations – what is and is not possible at
certain times or in certain situations. Anticipates landmines
and plans approach accordingly. Demonstrates ability to
influence mutually satisfactory outcomes. Maneuvers
through complex and sensitive political situations
effectively.
Political Savvy Executive: Uses influence and political
relationships inside and outside the organization to achieve
results that will benefit the organization. Creates strategies
to navigate the politics of the organization for the smooth
development and implementation of broad organizational
initiatives.
HCO Office of Leadership Succession Planning
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How Do I Become Politically Savvy?
Choose to become an active, ethical player
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Put the organization first
Understand your own political style
Believe strongly in your change initiative
Play above-board
Avoid the moral and rational blocks
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How Do I Become Politically Savvy?
Worksystem
the human system
Work the human
Understand the
culture
 Identify the key
players
 Gauge power and
influence
 Assess
relationships
 Develop a strategy
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Build momentum
Determine appropriate
involvement level for each
player
Employ interpersonal
diplomacy
Anticipate and handle
dissenters
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How Do I Become Politically Savvy?
Actively Focusing on the Six Key
Strategies of Politically Savvy
Individuals
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Partnering with your leader
Being a team player
Knowing where the leverage lies
Practicing subtle self-promotion
Connecting with the power people
Committing to the business
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Developed by YourOfficeCoach.com:
QUESTIONS?
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Political Savvy Summary

Political Savvy defined: Actively recognizing and
acting upon the internal and external politics that
impact the work of the organization.

Political Savvy IQ: Participated in an IQ Test as a
learning tool that focused on explaining
preconceived political savvy ideas.

Political Savvy Strategies: Identified six key
strategies for politically savvy individuals.
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