Building Your Political Prowess as a Leader

Outline

1. Welcome and Overview (5 minutes)
• Introductions and Objectives
• Icebreaker Question: “What’s one unspoken rule or political dynamic you’ve encountered in your leadership role?”

2. Understanding Power Dynamics (20 minutes)
• Power Mapping:
o Participants draw a quick "power map" of their own organization, identifying key power holders and influencers.
o They assess the level of influence and interest each stakeholder has on their current leadership goals or challenges.

3. Recognizing Hidden Rules and Norms (20 minutes)
• Case Study Discussion
o Participants review a short, hypothetical case study of an educational leader encountering hidden political rules (provided in advance).

4. Influencing and Persuading Others (20 minutes)
• Persuasion Role:
o In small groups, participants role-play a scenario where they must persuade a decision-maker or key stakeholder on a specific initiative (e.g., advocating for a budget increase, policy change).

5. Action Plan (10 minutes)
o Participants take a few minutes to outline one action they will take to apply their learning in their leadership context.

Supporting research

Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2017). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (6th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Kirst, M. W., & Wirt, F. M. (2009). The political dynamics of American education (4th ed.). McCutchan Publishing Corporation.

Fullan, M. (2001). Leading in a culture of change. Jossey-Bass.

Eacott, S., & Evers, C. W. (Eds.). (2015). Educational leadership: Politics and reform. Springer.