Organizational Savvy
Understanding the workings, structure, culture, as well as the distribution of power within and beyond the organization; utilizing this understanding to solve problems and achieve desired outcomes.
Level 1 Understands and uses formal organizational structures and processes
BEHAVIORS
- Uses the organization's formal structures, rules, processes, and procedures to accomplish results.
- Describes the general environment in which the organization operates.
- Explains organizational decision-making processes and formal positions of power.
QUESTIONS
- Can you tell me about a previous experience where you were new to an organization and had to become familiar with the work environment?
Probing Questions
* Where did this take place?
* What steps did you take?
* What was the importance of this?
* What did you learn?
* What was the outcome?
- Could you give an example of how you applied policy or procedure at work?
Probing Questions
* What was the policy or procedure?
* What was it for?
* How did you apply it to work?
* What were the results?
Level 2 Understands and uses informal organizational structures and processes
BEHAVIORS
- Identifies the unwritten, informal structures, culture, rules, power dynamics, and decision-making processes.
- Builds an informal network of relationships to facilitate progress towards objectives.
- Positions arguments based on an understanding of informal communities of shared interest.
- Recognizes unspoken organizational constraints - what is and is not possible at certain times or at certain levels.
- Uses both formal and informal channels or networks for acquiring information, assistance and accomplishing work goals.
QUESTIONS
- Can you tell me about a previous work experience when you had to utilize both formal and informal relationships to get things done?
Probing Questions
* What was the situation?
* What were you trying to achieve?
* How did you approach people through formal and informal relationships?
* What was the outcome?
- Could you give an example of a time when you built relationships outside formal reporting channels to meet an objective?
Probing Questions
* Describe the situation.
* Why did you look outside of your formal network?
* What were the differences?
* How did you build relationships?
Level 3 Understands and uses organizational culture, climate, and power dynamics
BEHAVIORS
- Achieves "win/win" solutions based on an understanding of issues and culture in own and other organizations.
- Recognizes what is and is not acceptable/ possible at certain times given the organizational culture, climate, and power dynamics.
- Anticipates outcomes based on an understanding of organizational culture and power dynamics.
- Explains how organizational decisions are made and who makes and influences them.
- Utilizes an understanding of the roles people play in the organization to form alliances and achieve results.
QUESTIONS
- Could you give an example where you used your political savvy to push through an initiative that you really believed in?
Probing Questions
* Describe the situation.
* What were you trying to accomplish?
* How did your political savvy help you in this situation? Describe the steps you took.
* How did this experience affect your work?
* What was the outcome?
- Can you tell me about a time when you were faced with ambiguity and chose a particular course of action based on your understanding of the organization’s culture?
Probing Questions
* What was the situation?
* What options did you have?
* What did you do?
* What was the outcome?
Level 4 Understands and uses organizational politics, issues and external influences
BEHAVIORS
- Uses an understanding of power relationships and dynamic tensions among key players and issues to frame communications and develop strategies, positions and alliances.
- Anticipates issues, challenges and outcomes, taking measures to best position the work unit or organization.
- Recognizes when the time is "ripe" for action, having positioned all key elements to maximize the probability of success.
- Seeks to change culture and methods of operating that are counterproductive to organizational success.
QUESTIONS
- Can you tell me about a time when you encountered challenges in accomplishing work goals due to workplace politics?
Probing Questions
* Describe the situation.
* What were the challenges?
* What did you do in this situation?
* What was the outcome?
- What did you do in a previous work experience that helped position an organization strategically using internal and external influences?
Probing Questions
* Describe the situation and your role.
* What did you do to position the organization strategically?
* What were the internal and external influences?
* What were the results?
Level 5 Understands and operates in a broad spectrum of political, cultural, and social milieus
BEHAVIORS
- Elucidates a wide variety of issues in the political, social, and economic contexts in which the organization operates.
- Uses an understanding of political, cultural and social contexts to position the organization or to address long-term issues critical to the organization's success.
- Accomplishes objectives in a variety of social, political and cultural environments.
QUESTIONS
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to address changes in the political, social, or cultural environment that affect the organizations in the long term?
Probing Questions
* What were the changes?
* What long-term issues did you identify?
* What did you do?
* What were the results?
- Could you describe a time when you executed an organizational strategy when there were significant uncertainties in the external political, social, or cultural environment?
Probing Questions
* What was the external environment like?
* How have you enhanced success? Describe the steps that you took.
* Why do you think your knowledge enabled higher success?
* What were the results?