How can you strengthen your political savvy?
The Challenge
Consider the following list of behaviors associated with politically savvy managers and rate yourself from 1-5 on each behavior, with "1" meaning you rarely or never demonstrate this behavior and "5" meaning you consistently and effectively demonstrate this behavior: 1) social astuteness, 2) interpersonal influence, 3) strong networking skills, and 4) genuineness.
Why do this?
This challenge encourages you to assess where your political savvy skills might need improvement. A politically savvy leader perceives organizational and political realities and acts accordingly to achieve the goals of the organization.
Political savvy, when implemented with integrity, can be an important factor in your career growth. Focus on improving your self-awareness, listen carefully to others' perspectives and needs, learn how to present yourself positively in both formal and informal situations, and work to communicate your thoughts and ideas honestly and clearly. Political savvy is a skill that can be developed.
What’s next?
Identify one of the behaviors identified above that you feel you need to improve and observe a politically savvy colleague who demonstrates this behavior effectively. Select one or two actions you might take to move yourself one point closer to a "5" on this behavior.
