Navigating Organizational Politics
Organizational politics are an inevitable part of workplace dynamics. Leaders who understand and strategically engage with politics are better equipped to influence decisions, build relationships, and achieve organizational goals. Yet many professionals view politics as inherently negative, often avoiding it and missing opportunities for growth and advancement.
This webinar emphasizes the concept of political savvy, described as influence capital or relationship currency, and demonstrates how it supports effective navigation of organizational politics. Participants will explore how developing political savvy enhances leadership credibility, strengthens influence, and enables leaders to engage ethically with organizational dynamics to achieve success.
Through a discussion of common myths, an exploration of five practical tools for political savvy, and a reflection on workplace dynamics, leaders will learn to recognize and navigate politics as a critical leadership skill.
Participants will leave the session with strategies to increase self-awareness, observe organizational dynamics, strengthen networks, and apply influence more effectively in their own contexts.
Learning Objectives:
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Define organizational politics and describe how it influences workplace dynamics.
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Recognize three common myths about organizational politics that can hinder leadership effectiveness.
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Explain the concept of political savvy as influence capital or relationship currency and how it supports effective navigation of organizational politics.
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Introduce five key political savvy tools to effectively navigate organizational politics.
Dr. Mary Kay Taylor
Dr. Mary Kay Taylor is a strategic enablement and organizational development leader who helps organizations design operating models that align people, process, and performance in times of change. Her work sits at the intersection of organizational design, change management, leadership capability, and business strategy.
With experience spanning healthcare, higher education, and consulting, she has served in executive and advisory roles, led enterprise transformation initiatives, and partnered with senior leaders to translate strategy into sustained organizational performance. As the founder of Strategy Dr Consulting, she supports organizations in building the structures, systems, and capabilities required for organizational effectiveness and long-term success.
A Senior Fellow of the Management Strategy Institute, Dr. Taylor is committed to advancing the field through applied research, teaching, and practice, with a focus on integrating organizational development, operational excellence, and strategic execution.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM CT
Agenda
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5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Registration/Networking
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6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Presentation/Workshop
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7:00 PM – 7:45 PM: Dinner
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7:45 PM – 8:30 PM: Presentation/Workshop/Meeting
Venue Information
Favazza’s on the Hill
5201 Southwest Ave
St. Louis, MO 63139
Meeting Location
The meeting will be held in the Banquet Room. The room can be accessed through the main entrance or through a separate entrance off Marconi Ave.
Parking
Free parking is available on-site.
Registration & Pricing
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$40 for ASQ members
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$55 for non-ASQ members
Coupon codes will be emailed to St. Louis Section members.
Online registrations may include platform processing fees. Credit card payments are subject to processing fees.
Dinner Information
Dinner is included with your ticket. Attendees will be able to choose from several options, including a vegetarian selection. A cash bar will be available.