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I have a positive view about politics within the organisation.
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I know where power lies within the organisation.
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I maintain relationships with influential people.
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I am known as a ‘go-to’ person.
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I am valued for my connections.
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I actively manage perceptions about my reputation.
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I can articulate my ‘who I am’ story and personal brand.
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I understand different communication styles.
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I view office politics negatively and wish it would go away.
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I know how to leverage the formal company network.
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I know how to leverage informal company networks.
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I know how to enlist support for my/team’s ideas.
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I actively build relationships.
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I usually know what is being said about me (when I’m not in the room).
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I understand the link between communication styles and its impact on others.
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I know who and where the resisters or fence sitters are.
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I am able to manage supporters, fence sitters, and resisters equally well.
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I know how to read the nuances (unwritten rules) of the organisation.
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I know how to get ahead; the organisation has a clear and transparent process for career advancement.
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I test my assumptions of non-verbal communication with diverse groups.
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I understand and use the positive impact of sharing achievements (mine/my team’s).
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I know exactly who and where my supporters and advocates are.
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I understand how the organisation makes decisions.
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I know who and where the decision makers are.
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I am an active participant in all relevant corporate meetings and events.
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I know what steps to take in order to change perceptions (mine/my team’s).
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I check my assumptions with others before responding or taking action.
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I am comfortable using firm language and reflective questioning for clarification.
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I understand the organisational culture and how things get done.
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I actively seek out influential members of networks, teams or groups for conversation and idea-sharing.
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I am able to comfortably challenge members of influential groups.
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I participate in cross-organisational or functional teams, projects, and meetings.
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I can see the links between perceptions, leadership and career.
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I understand the factors that influence other’s perception of me and my team.
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I actively promote my team’s achievements.
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I actively engage various influence networks to verify assumptions.
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I know my communication style preference as well as the corporate style preference.
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I use ethical behind-the-scenes lobbying to gain alignment and support.
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I build relationships equally – up, down, and across the organisation.
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I am comfortable building relationships with stakeholders outside the organisation.
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I know how to achieve “buy-in” from others for my ideas and agendas.
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I maintain a healthy balance between “telling my story” and listening to others.
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I know whom to seek out for different viewpoints in order to clarify assumptions.
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I am comfortable flexing my style when necessary to achieve results.
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I view political savvy as a critical leadership skill and can mentor political savvy to my peers and staff.
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I am frequently asked for my opinion.
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I know how to navigate organisational change.
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I adjust my delivery and pitch to match the audience and stakeholders.
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I pay close attention to any changes in relationships within the organisation.
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I know how to manage multiple stakeholders and complex relationships.
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I manage disagreements well and am able to diplomatically raise difficult issues.
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I am known as a problem solver.
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I can negotiate within and across multiple networks, internally and externally.
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I maintain a healthy balance between knowing when to be humble or quiet and when to discuss achievements and impact.
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I am viewed as an expert.