Organizational politics is a sometimes controversial and hotly debated topic and it can be particularly difficult for women leaders, especially since they are often denied the space, coaching, and ownership to explore such challenges without facing significant risks. This often leaves women leaders with a limited set of choices- embrace it as a necessarily evil, engage half-heartedly or refuse to play the game entirely- despite the likely negative impact on their careers.

Research has found that politically savvy leaders have better career prospects, are seen as more promotable, and are less likely to have derailed careers. Leaders who stumble through political realities or avoid or ignore them are missing opportunities, connections, and resources. While the term political skill, or political savvy, generally elicits more negative than positive perceptions, it isn’t inherently a bad thing. Politics are a neutral and natural part of everyday life in organizations, and a skilled leader understands that it is a necessary strategic choice. This session will help you reflect on and potentially reframe your relationship with organizational politics.

Objectives

Understand organizational politics and examine why they exist and how they function (knowledge and mindset)
Assess your political environment and gain awareness of your own feelings (mindset)
Increase your political savvy and practice four key skills to better navigate organizational politics (skillset)

PowerUp Workshop Series: East Africa