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Organizational Savvy And Politics

Knowledge of organizational politics and political tactics; ability to effectively navigate formal and informal communication and decision-making channels.

Behavior Statements

Proficiency Level 1 - Basic understanding

Identifies basic organizational structure and formal reporting relationships in own area.

Offers examples of formal and informal channels of communications.

Explains the benefits and risks of using informal channels.

Describes characteristics and behaviors valued within the organization.

Proficiency Level 2 - Working experience

Identifies key players, decision makers, and stakeholders relevant to own team or function.

Builds network of contacts in relevant other functions and departments.

Explains what, when and how sensitive information should be communicated.

Obtains and shares information with appropriate stakeholders in other areas.

Provides examples of savvy approaches to successfully solving organizational problems.

Proficiency Level 3 - Extensive experience

Builds win-win alliances and maintains a wide network of colleagues within the organization.

Discusses objectives, key issues and priorities of related functions or departments.

Accurately analyzes issues and determines who needs to be consulted or kept informed.

Appropriately communicates short and long-term activities within own and other functions.

Differentiates acceptable and unacceptable formats for communicating across functions.

Recognizes and effectively addresses politically challenging situations.

Proficiency Level 4 - Subject matter depth and breadth

Predicts impacts, avoids derailments, and pursues actions that are likely to succeed.

Shares information to gain common commitment and understanding in achieving objectives.

Compares and contrasts own organization's 'how to get things done' to others.

Plays an active role in defining and reinforcing savvy organizational effectiveness practices.

Identifies key players and potential actions for high-impact, sensitive situations or issues.

Coaches others in history and future of the organizational culture and being effective within it.

Interview Questions

  • When analyzing an issue, how do you decide who needs to be informed and who does not need to be informed about the situation?
  • Describe a situation when politics within an organization posed a challenge for you and how you addressed it.
  • Give me an example of a situations where you would use formal or informal communication channels.

Titles with Shared Competencies