Political Savvy

The ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy, while effectively relating to people at all levels internally and externally.

Key Behaviors
  • Understands priorities, cultural norms, and unwritten rules for success at all levels of the organization.
  • Identifies when issues need to be escalated to higher authorities and effectively alerts appropriate officials.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the interrelationships, roles and responsibilities of your organization.
  • Develops and maintains professional relationships.
  • Uses knowledge of the organizational culture in making decisions and perceives the impact and implications of such decisions.
  • Demonstrates sensitivity to surroundings and acts accordingly in conversations.
  • Perceives organizational and political sensitivities and acts accordingly.
  • Understands the political environment, management priorities, staff roles and responsibilities, and grasps external factors impacting the organization.
  • Understands corporate priorities, cultural norms and unwritten rules for success.
  • Understands different people's attitudes about power and politics and adapts personal approaches for optimal influence.
  • Ensures positive outcomes and mission achievement.

Developmental opportunities for this competency are available from the NIH Training Center.