Politically Intelligent Leader

Patricia Clark White has been superintendent of three award-winning California school districts, a national and international consultant and presenter, and an executive coach to leaders dealing with political issues. She is currently a professor and associate dean for the School of Education at Brandman University, overseeing the doctoral program in Organizational Leadership.Thomas R. Harvey is a professor of organizational leadership in the doctoral program at the University of La Verne. He has been the dean of the School of Organizational Management and the chairman of the Department of Educational Management for fourteen years and is the author of several books including Checklist for Change; The Practical Decision Maker; Building Teams, Building People; and The Soul of Leadership. Shari L. Fox is currently an executive coach to K-12 site and district level administrators. She is also an adjunct professor and learning group leader at the University of La Verne. She had served as school superintendent prior to retirement and now finds great joy in volunteering in her grandson Payton's classroom where she can observe firsthand the "sandbox politics" that begin at an early age.

• ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgementsPart I: Developing Your Political Intelligence1The Politically Intelligent Leader DefinedThis chapter defines the politically intelligent leader and discusses the importance of raising your PIQ. It explains the difference between internal and external politics, and shoots down some of the myths about politics.2Blocks to Political IntelligenceTen things that block leaders from using their political intelligence are presented. Antidotes for each of them are discussed.3Trust: The Heart of Effective Political ActionTrust is defined and explored as the core of all political strategies. Presented are 10 strategies to build trusting relationships.Part II: Using Smart Political Strategies4External StrategiesNineteen external political strategies are presented to be used by the politically intelligent leader who is dealing with situations outside the organization.5Internal Strategies Eighteen local political strategies are described, which can enhance power and influence inside the organization.Part III: Understanding How to Work with Political Styles6Understanding Your Own Political StyleThrough the use of an assessment instrument, The Inventory of Political Styles, which is included here, readers are able to analyze their own primary, secondary, and tertiary political styles. This chapter describes nine political styles and offers insights about how typical behaviors connected with each style can help or hinder the individual and the organization. 7Working Effectively with Other Political Styles The reader learns to analyze the political styles of other key players and to customize a set of strategies that tend to be persuasive with those of various styles.Part IV: Staying on an Ethical Course in Politically Charged Situations8The Politically Ethical Leader Four Questions prompt reflection on ethical decisions in a political environment.9Dealing with Special Public Sector GroupsThis chapter examines the unique political problems and strategies for dealing with unions and union leadership, elected boards and councils, volunteers, advisory groups, and foundations.10The Machiavellian LeaderIf you have the misfortune of working with a Machiavellian leader, then you need to read this chapter thoroughly. In it we define such leadership and give you ways to cope with this style.11Digging Your Way Out of a Political HoleProblems are examined that arise from digging yourself a political hole, and tips are offered on how to get yourself out of it.Part V: Pulling It All Together 12Practicing What We PreachScenarios give the reader practice in using the strategies and ideas presented in the earlier chapters to become a politically intelligent leader.13Questions: We Get QuestionsIn this final chapter we answer the questions posed most often in our speaking engagements.ConclusionAppendix: Inventory of Political StylesReferencesIndex

The Politically Intelligent Leader is a must-read for all school superintendents and executive cabinet members. It is a comprehensive review and analysis of politics in an organization [and] teaches how to build trust and increase your political capital so you can get things done. The book provides real-life examples of political and ethical dilemmas and how to navigate through them. I highly recommend it.