Navigating Workplace Politics for Managers
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for leaders at all levels or anyone who desires to have a better understanding of the strategies needed to successfully navigate organizational politics and overcome challenging situations within the workplace.
Skill Level
Foundational
Time Commitment
Weekly Time Committment
60 Minutes/Week
Duration
4 Weeks
Leader Behaviors
This course strengthens your skills in the following leader behaviors:
- Builds Trust
- Champions Change
- Collaborates and Promotes Teamwork
- Communicates
- Focuses on Results through People
- Solves Problems
- Takes Initiative
Course Overview
Organizational politics involves the use of influential tactics that improve personal or organizational interests. A leader with good political skills manages to gain more personal power and can handle stress and job demands better, therefore having a greater impact on organizational goals. The focus of this course is on building a strong understanding of organizational politics, addressing challenges, and discovering ways to ethically approach workplace politics.
Completing this course will help you:
- Define the major aspects of organizational politics and their benefits and challenges to the company.
- Examine the role of people in organizational politics and determine ways to strengthen relationships and influence others through the use of positive behaviors.
- Determine the role that soft and hard power play in the organizational life and learn strategies to leverage it effectively to build relationships, meet goals, and create momentum.
- Recognize the impact that building a positive and influential culture has on an organization’s results.
Learning Path
Session 1 - Defining Organizational Politics
In this session, we will explore a broad overview of organizational politics and discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it. We will also identify three aspects of organizational politics: People, Power and Potential. We will learn how each of these aspects plays an important role in navigating the political landscape.
Virtual Session (30 minutes) + Online Journal (15 minutes) + Activity (15 minutes)
Session 2 - The People Aspect of Organizational Politics
In this session, we will explore how the People aspect (specifically, leader behaviors) impacts the political landscape and can be leveraged to positively influence the company or team culture.
Virtual Session (30 minutes) + Online Journal (15 minutes) + Activity (15 minutes)
Session 3 - The Source of Power Aspect
Successful leaders are using a more integrative and participatory style with a greater emphasis on the soft power of attraction, rather than the hard power of command. However, the two are often used interchangeably to influence others in positive and negative ways. In this session, we will examine how soft and hard sources of power influence and impact the organizational system.
Virtual Session (30 minutes) + Online Journal (15 minutes) + Activity (15 minutes)
Session 4 - The Potential Aspect
In this session, we will explore the Potential Aspect and discover how understanding organizational politics can help leaders to be successful by creating a culture of connection, openness, and trust.
Virtual Session (30 minutes) + Online Journal (15 minutes) + Activity (15 minutes)
Leader Behaviors
This course strengthens your skills in the following leader behaviors:
- Builds Trust
- Champions Change
- Collaborates and Promotes Teamwork
- Communicates
- Focuses on Results through People
- Solves Problems
- Takes Initiative
Why people choose LEL for Leadership Development
The insights from this course have changed how I approach leadership. I now feel equipped to handle challenges more effectively and inspire my team every day.
An invaluable experience! The practical strategies and hands-on exercises helped me build strong leadership skills that I apply daily in my role.
Frequently asked questions
Can you handle office politics without playing dirty?
Yes. The course frames politics as ethical influence, using the People, Power, and Potential model to build alliances and momentum without compromising integrity.
What is the difference between soft power and hard power at work?
Hard power is command and position, soft power is influence through attraction and relationships. The course shows when each applies and how to lean on soft power to get results.
Is this course only for senior leaders?
No. Anyone in a mid-level or cross-functional role who has to get things done across teams benefits from learning to read and navigate the political landscape.
How does this help me avoid getting pulled into workplace drama?
It teaches you to read power dynamics and respond with positive, professional behavior, so you stay effective and above the negativity.
How long is the course?
Four weekly live sessions of about an hour each, facilitator-led, with reflection and activities in between.
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100% of program profits support March of Dimes.