Criticality of Political Skill — Background

by Colin Gautrey

In preparation for the survey, a full academic literature review was conducted to establish a detailed breakdown of political skill. This resulted in a set of fifty-five sub skills. As such, this is by far the most detailed construct developed so far.

From this analysis, a survey was developed to determine how critical each element of political skill is to success in the respondent's role. This questionnaire was then made available through various channels between June and September 2007. In total, 141 people participated, of which 72% were based in the UK and 65% were male. Demographic data regarding organisational level, age, and function was also collected.

The final stage of the work was a series of qualitative interviews used primarily to test the results and gauge reactions to some of the findings.

The Key Findings

The main outcomes from the research can be summarised as follows...

1. The Criticality of Political Skill. All of the elements of political skill presented in the survey were deemed to be critical by all of the participants (more).
2. Understanding vs. Influencing. It was surprising to see that those who took part in the survey regarded the development of understanding as less critical than the actual act of influencing (more).
3. Men vs. Women. The marked difference between the genders; however, this is due to minority position rather than gender (more).
4. The Value of Experience. This research has highlighted that different skills within the political domain are recognised by more senior and experienced individuals (more).
5. Social Niceties. There is clear evidence emerging that less value is placed on social skills in the workplace (more).

We are keen to expand this work into different parts of the world, and if you think you can support this extended work in any way, please get in touch.

Background — Criticality — Understanding vs. Influencing — Men vs. Women — Value of Experience — Social Niceties — Conclusion

Colin Gautrey — author, coach, facilitator and noted expert in the practical use of power and influence in the workplace. Colin has coached top executives around the world, run workshops for international teams and always gets results. As an author, he has written several books and regularly appears on the conference stage on his specialist subject of power and influence. To find out more about his work, visit him at www.gautreyinfluence.com .