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Survival of the Savvy: High-Integrity Political Tactics for Career and Company Success
Two of the nation's most successful corporate leadership consultants now reveal their proven, systematic program for using the power of "high-integrity" politics to achieve career success, maximize team impact, and protect the company's reputation and bottom line.Each day in business, a corporate version of "survival of the fittest" is played out. Power plays, turf battles, deceptions, and sabotages block individuals' career progress and threaten companies' resources and results. In Survival of the Savvy, Rick Brandon and Marty Seldman provide ethical but street-smart strategies for navigating corporate politics to gain "impact with integrity," helping readers -Identify political styles at work through the Style Strengths Finder, and avoid being under or overly political -Discover the corporate "buzz" on you, and manage the corporate "airwaves" -Decipher unwritten company rules and protect yourself from sabotage and hidden agendas -Build key networks to promote yourself and your ideas with integrity -Learn to detect deception and filter misleading information -Increase your team's organizational savvy, influence, and impact -Gauge the political health of the company and forge a high-integrity political culture In addition, Survival of the Savvy helps individuals discover and overcome their own political blind spots and vulnerabilities. They learn step-by-step methods to avoid being underestimated or denied full recognition for their achievements. It shows them how to put forward their ideas and advance their careers in an ethical manner, with a high level of political awareness and skill. After reading this book, you will never have to say, "I didn't see it coming." Organizational savvy is a mission-critical competency for the complete leader. This timely and timeless book provides cutting-edge strategies and skills for surviving and thriving as you build individual and company success.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
159 people are currently reading
820 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 1, 2012
If things in this book sound surprising, you may not belong in business.
It's basically saying that you need to be emotionally intelligent: read the situation and people around you and act appropriately.
It was too fluffy for me, and I would've appreciated more statistics, actual case studies, and real (and less fluffy) examples.
I also thought some of the suggestions of how to respond to overly political people were just ludicrous. Here's an example of how the book recommends you respond if someone makes a derisive comment about you arriving late to a meeting: "'Alissa, what's hard to ignore is your linking my lateness to my commitment level. My contribution, hours, and work product speak for themselves. I was late today because of a safety issue Eric had me managing, so I suggest we move on. Later, you and I can clear the air to get back on the same page. Or, if you want, we can work the issue right now, but only if the group agrees.'"
No one talks like that. (The authors do note that it's the idea and not the actual words used in the examples that matter, but come on. You couldn't have taken an extra five minutes to come up with a realistic response?)
I did really enjoy the chapter about elevator speeches. I had just moved into a new role, and it made me realize that I didn't have a concise way of describing what my new responsibilities were if someone asked. "I'm still figuring it out" or laughing and saying, "You know, that's a fantastic question" were just unacceptable responses and the only ones I had at the time.
I'm going to try Political Savvy: Systematic Approaches to Leadership Behind-The-Scenes--I hear that it goes much more in-depth than this one.
It's basically saying that you need to be emotionally intelligent: read the situation and people around you and act appropriately.
It was too fluffy for me, and I would've appreciated more statistics, actual case studies, and real (and less fluffy) examples.
I also thought some of the suggestions of how to respond to overly political people were just ludicrous. Here's an example of how the book recommends you respond if someone makes a derisive comment about you arriving late to a meeting: "'Alissa, what's hard to ignore is your linking my lateness to my commitment level. My contribution, hours, and work product speak for themselves. I was late today because of a safety issue Eric had me managing, so I suggest we move on. Later, you and I can clear the air to get back on the same page. Or, if you want, we can work the issue right now, but only if the group agrees.'"
No one talks like that. (The authors do note that it's the idea and not the actual words used in the examples that matter, but come on. You couldn't have taken an extra five minutes to come up with a realistic response?)
I did really enjoy the chapter about elevator speeches. I had just moved into a new role, and it made me realize that I didn't have a concise way of describing what my new responsibilities were if someone asked. "I'm still figuring it out" or laughing and saying, "You know, that's a fantastic question" were just unacceptable responses and the only ones I had at the time.
I'm going to try Political Savvy: Systematic Approaches to Leadership Behind-The-Scenes--I hear that it goes much more in-depth than this one.
June 15, 2019
Came across this book that was left in the office kitchen by a very thoughtful and anonymous coworker.
Funny enough, the company I worked at (briefly) was highly political, in the newspaper frequently, had a high turnover, workplace bullying was the norm, and whistleblowers were abound. To say the least, I was there less than 7 months = my motto "there is always a rainbow on the other side". The company was not a good fit for me and neither I for them. My experience at that company was quite the contrast from where I had been previously for 8 years. I was optimistic, a bit oblivious, and a little naive. However, I stood up for myself and learned a valuable lesson. The bonus was this book that was left in the office kitchen 3 months in...the irony of it all.
Thankfully, I picked it up and kept it...then several months after parting ways, I finally read it. I was going to place it in the Goodwill pile because I was an avoider of "office politics" = headache. However, I am so glad I did not because to my delight 'Survival of the Savvy' is a gem. This book provides insight and tips.
I will likely read it again.
Essentially, this is worth the read.
Funny enough, the company I worked at (briefly) was highly political, in the newspaper frequently, had a high turnover, workplace bullying was the norm, and whistleblowers were abound. To say the least, I was there less than 7 months = my motto "there is always a rainbow on the other side". The company was not a good fit for me and neither I for them. My experience at that company was quite the contrast from where I had been previously for 8 years. I was optimistic, a bit oblivious, and a little naive. However, I stood up for myself and learned a valuable lesson. The bonus was this book that was left in the office kitchen 3 months in...the irony of it all.
Thankfully, I picked it up and kept it...then several months after parting ways, I finally read it. I was going to place it in the Goodwill pile because I was an avoider of "office politics" = headache. However, I am so glad I did not because to my delight 'Survival of the Savvy' is a gem. This book provides insight and tips.
I will likely read it again.
Essentially, this is worth the read.
March 8, 2020
I have been reading - and rereading this book for 10 years.
A HR leader at my last company gave me this book, and though I cannot remember her name, I am forever in her debt.
By nature I am not a political person- at all. I speak truth, work hard and try to always do the right thing for the company and my people. I have no personal agenda, and all my cards are on the table. Often times in my career, I get eaten alive at work- because I am essentially a gazelle surrounded by Lions. When I sense things going sideways at work- someone stealing credit for my work, or my boss not supporting me or the team as I would expect- I bring out this book and reread it, and remember all the things I have forgotten about how to navigate politics at work.
On my first read I was resistant because I thought politics was a bunch of dirty dealing schmoozers. The book reminds me that it can be an ethical way to get good things done-and the ONLY way to keep from continuously losing to those who are unethical. As I read the case studies- I see myself in all of the scenarios of being under- political .
Highly recommend- Nice people dont always have to finish last
A HR leader at my last company gave me this book, and though I cannot remember her name, I am forever in her debt.
By nature I am not a political person- at all. I speak truth, work hard and try to always do the right thing for the company and my people. I have no personal agenda, and all my cards are on the table. Often times in my career, I get eaten alive at work- because I am essentially a gazelle surrounded by Lions. When I sense things going sideways at work- someone stealing credit for my work, or my boss not supporting me or the team as I would expect- I bring out this book and reread it, and remember all the things I have forgotten about how to navigate politics at work.
On my first read I was resistant because I thought politics was a bunch of dirty dealing schmoozers. The book reminds me that it can be an ethical way to get good things done-and the ONLY way to keep from continuously losing to those who are unethical. As I read the case studies- I see myself in all of the scenarios of being under- political .
Highly recommend- Nice people dont always have to finish last
September 23, 2021
I’ve been that naive person.
December 19, 2023
Libro muy útil. Parte de la premisa de que cualquier persona puede ser ordenada dentro de un eje que va de un comportamiento "escasamente político" hasta lo "demasiado político". Los autores aseguran que las personas ubicadas en los extremos de este eje son las que más tienen que perder en el entorno laboral. Proponen que lo mejor es acomodarse en la parte central de este eje y hacerlo "con integridad". El libro plantea algunas tácticas interesantes que tienen que ver con el uso del lenguaje y el mapeo de estilos políticos. No se profundiza demasiado en casos específicos.
March 23, 2017
Practical career development book for those starting off in business lacking an understanding of business politics. Helps you reframe the idea of politics, makes you aware of your level of emotional intelligence and identify your political preference, yes everyone has one. Highlights how to avoid triggering issues for yourself. Some of the examples and respective responses are a bit comical but get to the point.
February 3, 2023
I took the course back in 2016 and the book came along with it. I never had a chance until now to be able to read it. It covers a lot of good ground and helping to understand corporate political styles, and great tips on how best to identify and improve your own political style.
January 5, 2020
Interesting thoughts. Could have been half the length.
May 6, 2020
A must read for everyone working with in a team setting
Their in-person workshop was so fascinating, that I was compelled to read the accompanying book as well. And it definitely did not disappoint. I think everyone working a corporation would wish they had read this book during the week before they started their first corporate job.
Their in-person workshop was so fascinating, that I was compelled to read the accompanying book as well. And it definitely did not disappoint. I think everyone working a corporation would wish they had read this book during the week before they started their first corporate job.
May 11, 2020
Must read for those working in a highly politcal corporate structure.
November 6, 2012
I took this training course at work and skimmed through the book. The examples are somewhat difficult to relate to, but I think there are a number of good ideas in the book. Nothing ground breaking, but if you feel like you aren't being fully effective at work this book has some great practical suggestions.
July 29, 2016
This book might be appropriately titled as, Reframing "Politics" and subtitled as, a Utilitarian Guide to Influence.
I believe it is practical and astute. The section on self-talk I found particularly delightful. Why might a book on influence address that subject? Read it and discover yourself. The notions of perception and projection are at the root of the reframing of "politics."
I believe it is practical and astute. The section on self-talk I found particularly delightful. Why might a book on influence address that subject? Read it and discover yourself. The notions of perception and projection are at the root of the reframing of "politics."
read_me_piles
February 2, 2008Not sure how appealing the premise truly is --- political tactics to ensure your career success? Sounds like brown-nosing and sniping to me.
August 30, 2012
Great practical ideas that are easy to implement and help increase your influence in the work place.
April 11, 2013
Made the case for politicking well.
January 30, 2014
I found the beginning third of the book helpful. After that, some of the advice made me cringe. I give it a strong meh.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews