Can Authenticity and Political Skill Actually Get Along?

I have a desire to be authentic.  I don’t always succeed, but it’s almost always on my radar.  I recently read an article in Harvard Business Review (HBR July / August 2010 – Idea Watch) on the topic of political skill.  This article talked about the value of political skill and how, when used effectively, it can bring favor to your cause through your influence.

More On Political Skill:

According to Gerald Ferris, Sherry Davidson, and Pamela Perrewe, in their book Political Skill at Work: Impact on Work Effectiveness, political skill is “a style of interaction that allows you to read situations, interpret them, and exhibit just the right kind of behavior to induce others to do what you want — and do it willingly, as if it were their idea.”

My initial reaction after reading the HBR article was to completely discount political skill and view it as in direct conflict with authenticity.  And why not?  After all, the article associated words like flattery and ingratiation with political skill.  When we think of politics, don’t we think of self-serving agendas?  Aren’t we often less trusting of politicians?  Still after dissecting the term, political skill merely represents our ability to influence others to favor our position, opinion, or bias.

Political skill isn’t flattery or ingratiation at all.  Political skill doesn’t have to do with sucking up to the boss to get ahead.  But there are people who are better than others in their ability influence others toward a position or opinion.  People who do this effectively get ahead.

As you engage and improve your political skill, consider the following:

1. TONE – Try not to be flagrant with your flattery. A little subtlety goes a long way to build trust in your communications. Don’t overwhelm your audience by your verboseness. Passion is one thing – a good thing – audaciousness is not.  Avoid being the loud and obnoxious used-car salesperson.
2. TIMING – Consider the timing of your talk.  Be calculated as you communicate.  Be careful not to interrupt others in order to get your point across – at least not here in the United States.  Evaluate your audience to make sure they are ready and able to truly engage in what you are about to say.  Make sure you’ve got their attention before trying to compete for it.  If you’re constantly trying to compete for the floor, you might appear desperate.
3. TARGET – Make sure your words are relevant.  You’ll quickly lose credibility when you bring up topics that are completely irrelevant to the current conversation.  People who are off target and irrelevant often find themselves randomly rambling, hoping something they say will stick with the group.  Your communications should be well-crafted toward the needs of your audience and the topic at hand.  Those effective in political skill know how to insert their ideas in a relevant manner into almost any conversation.

When you consider your tone, your timing, and your target, you’ll likely avoid the flattery and suck-up perceptions that so many associate with political skill.

Tags: authenticity, corporate, culture, Leadership, political, skill