Leaders who ignore organizational politics – the web of relationships, power, and influence that drives how work actually gets done and decisions are made – do so at their own risk. As Harvard Business Review notes, “if you don’t do politics, politics will do you.” Whether it is potential impacts on your ability to deliver business results, build collaborative success and shape your business’ direction, or your credibility ‒ politics is an inescapable reality of organizations, even for executives who excel in their disciplines.

Rather than something to avoid, organizational politics is a critical leadership capability – one that can be practiced with integrity. This session helps executives build political intelligence to more effectively navigate complex and matrixed environments. Participants will learn to identify key decision-makers beyond the organization chart, understand how power operates, and leverage networks of influence to drive outcomes.

Premised on the theme “I Didn’t See It Coming,” the session will also focus on strengthening participants’ strategic foresight – equipping leaders to spot early warning signals such as misalignment, stakeholder resistance, shifting priorities, and hidden decision pathways before they derail execution.

Ultimately, the session will reinforce the executive’s role in shaping a constructive political culture – one rooted in transparency, trust, and ethical influence to advance both organizational and business outcomes.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand why hierarchy matters less ‒ and influence and political intelligence matter more ‒ in AI-enabled, hybrid, and matrixed organizations.

2. Recognize political blind spots that can derail even high-performing executives.

3. Identify both visible and informal power structures that shape key decisions.

4. Strengthen the ability to interpret ambiguity and influence effectively across stakeholders.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Integrity; Builds Relationships & Coalitions; Effective Communication with All Levels