1. Embrace and manage power

Know how to read power dynamics and embrace political realities for ethical or behind-the-scenes lobbying to sell an idea or drive change for the good of the organisation. Politically astute managers understand power networks, decision makers and how decisions are actually made.

Chapter 5: Managing Power: Who’s In and Who’s Out, Power and Influence Map

2. Build networks & relationships

Recognise the role of networks and the value of maintaining relationships. Look for the invisible connections, informal and formal influence groups and begin to build your profile within these groups, developing support for an idea, understanding “resisters” and negotiating conflict.

Chapter 5: Managing Power: Who’s In and Who’s Out, Power and Influence Map

3. Manage up, down, & across

Be comfortable with multiple stakeholder groups, from executives to individual contributors. Learn to communicate skillfully, adjusting to audience needs and build relationships at all levels of the organisation.

Chapter 2: Becoming Savvy, Chapter 3: Surviving the Ebbs and Flows of Power

4. Model Integrity & Authenticity

Become trusted. Display a high level of integrity and authenticity ‐ model political behaviour which is aligned with organisational goals and business strategy. Savvy managers operate from an ethical framework. Maintain confidentiality, admit mistakes and ‘fix the problem, not the blame.’

Chapter 1: The How and Why of Positive Politics

5. Study the situation; pause before responding

Display composure and understand organisational mechanics. Learn to size up a situation, listen well and intervene appropriately. Work to uncover difficult issues, maintain decorum, and focus only on merits and elements of the idea or situation presented.

Chapter 4: Taking Things at Face Value: Trust but Verify

6. Understand influencing techniques

Understand the power of ethical lobbying, persuasion and influencing techniques. Effective influencers have stronger interpersonal skills than most, and are able to understand motivational needs of others. A savvy manager can build relationships and rapport easily, often with good judgment about people and situations.

7. Manage Perceptions

Acknowledge the value of actively managing perceptions about one’s self and one’s team. Managing perception is an important element of personal branding, but can be overlooked. Savvy managers know what is being said about them at all times. Savvy managers can craft a brand message, highlighting their unique qualities to share with others. Without a strong story to tell, perception becomes reality.

Chapter 7: Reputation and Brand Management: What’s your story?

8. Maintain Visibility & Credibility

Practice strategic visibility. Share knowledge, and politely talking about your accomplishments. Promoting yourself and your team is a skill which includes credibility, authenticity and consistency. Savvy managers tell their story and share achievements aligned with organisational goals.

Chapter 6: Managing Perceptions: A 12 Step Program for Changing Perceptions and Building Your Reputation

9. Find Connectors

Understand the value of “connectors.” Being connected to power and influence networks is one of the most important steps in building savvy skills. Connect with everyone equally ‐ and connect with intention. Every organisation has skillful connectors who are confidantes. Knowledge rests with this group, often paving the way for others to connect. Savvy managers know how to seek them out.

10. Communicate effectively & question reflectively

Use the full range of communication skills, from reflective listening to firm language. Savvy communicators balance listening attentively, challenging ideas, and asking reflective questions to build trust and mutual understanding.

Chapter 8: The Spoken Word: Gender and Culture Issues