In today’s work environment, where emotion overtakes logic, it is more important than ever to work on a soft skill we call political savvy.
The National Institutes of Health’s website states the definition as: the ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy, while effectively relating to people at all levels internally and externally.
The Center for Creative Leadership’s website states: “We define political savvy as the ability to maximize and leverage relationships in order to achieve organizational, team, and individual goals.”
So in other words, political savvy is a way in which we carefully craft words and our delivery as to not offend others, all the while doing our best to manipulate others to do what we want them too. I want to share with you some tips on how to use political savvy to give you the advantage.
Tip #1—Remember, there is no such thing as problems, only opportunities. Put these words into your vocabulary and use them often to replace other words.
When workers state that they have a “problem” or an “issue,” remind them of this slogan. Below are some examples:
- Scenario 1a: There are many issues facing this company, I am not sure how long we can survive.
- Scenario 1b: There are many opportunities facing this company, I am not sure how long we can survive.
- Scenario 2a: I have a drinking problem.
- Scenario 2b: I have a drinking opportunity.
Tip #2—Think before you speak. People with great political savvy have the ability to control their impulses and take time to carefully craft what they want to say.
Example: When someone says something in a meeting and a “That’s what she said” is in order, do not be impulsive. Take a few seconds, think about it, and then say, “That’s what she said.”
