Course

Navigating Organizational Politics

Jun 17, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
Instructor: David Howard

$1,895 Enroll

Full course description

Navigating Organizational Politics: Political Skill, Power, and Ethical Influence

Program Snapshot

Format: In-person
Dates: June 17 & 18
Duration: 1.5 days (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 1st day; 8:00 AM – noon 2nd day)
Location: USF Health CAMLS
Tuition: $1895.00

In this program, leaders learn to accurately read political environments, build ethical influence, develop political skills deliberately, and navigate complex organizational power dynamics with confidence and integrity.

Program Overview

Too often, leaders think of organizational politics as something negative, manipulative, or beneath them. Yet politics is simply how influence, perception, and power actually work inside organizations. Leaders who ignore politics frequently find their best ideas blocked, their careers stalled, or their credibility undermined — not because they lacked competence, but because they lacked political skill.

Navigating Organizational Politics reframes politics from a problem to avoid into a leadership capability to be understood and used responsibly. Grounded in political skill research and Jeffrey Pfeffer’s work on power, this one-day executive program helps leaders develop the ability to read situations accurately, build alliances intentionally, influence ethically, and tolerate healthy conflict when needed. Through highly applied discussion, analysis of real cases, structured frameworks, and reflective exercises, participants learn how to approach politics with realism, confidence, and purpose rather than anxiety or avoidance.

By the end of the program, leaders leave with a practical personal Power & Influence strategy, clearer awareness of the political environments they operate in, and stronger capability to protect their agendas, strengthen their leadership credibility, and contribute more effectively to their organizations.

Key Takeaways

Participants will learn how to:

  • Define and diagnose organizational politics and power dynamics

  • Understand political skill as a learnable leadership capability

  • Apply the four dimensions of political skill in real situations

  • Operationalize Pfeffer’s seven facets of power in ethical, effective ways

  • Recognize destructive political dynamics and mitigate their impact

  • Build a personal Power & Influence strategy aligned with values and role demands

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for:

Roles

Senior leaders, executives, directors, high-potential leaders, and functional leaders operating in complex environments

Industries

Applicable across all industries where influence, stakeholder dynamics, and organizational navigation are critical

Situational Readiness

  • Leaders responsible for strategy, change, or enterprise initiatives

  • Leaders navigating high-stakes environments or political complexity

  • Leaders who want to strengthen influence without compromising ethics

Curriculum & Topics

Day One (Morning)

Module 1: The Reality of Organizational Politics – What politics are, why they exist, and why ignoring them is risky

Module 2: Political Skill as a Leadership Capability – The four dimensions of political skill and how leaders apply them

Day One (Afternoon)

Module 3: Building Power – Jeffrey Pfeffer’s 7 Facets – Understanding and developing legitimate power as a leadership resource

Module 4: Politics in Action – Case discussions, film analysis, and real-world examples of politics at work

Day Two

Module 5: When Politics Turn Destructive – Recognizing unhealthy dynamics and minimizing damage

Module 6: Personal Power & Influence Strategy – Individual reflection and practical action planning

Pre-Work

  • Assessments: Political Skill Inventory (short Likert-type survey)

Peer Interaction

Peer interaction is built into program discussions and activities.

Faculty

David Howard, PhD

Program Director

David Howard, PhD is Academic Director of the USF Center for Executive and Leadership Education, Program Director for the DBA program, and Associate Professor of Instruction at the Muma College of Business. With a background in leadership development, organizational culture, and executive coaching, he consults with organizations and teaches both undergraduate and doctoral courses.

Benefits for Organizations

Participants will return with improved ability to:

  • Navigate political environments more confidently and responsibly

  • Build alliances that support execution and strategic progress

  • Influence outcomes ethically and intentionally

  • Reduce blind spots related to power, perception, and informal influence

This program supports organizations seeking to:

  • Strengthen leadership maturity

  • Improve decision-making in politically complex contexts

  • Protect key initiatives from political derailment

Certificate & Pathways

Participants will receive a USF Executive Education Certificate of Completion.

Program Format

This program is delivered in an immersive, interactive format designed to maximize engagement and peer learning. A detailed agenda will be shared with registered participants in advance.

Logistics

Detailed program information, including the agenda, parking instructions, and recommended hotel accommodations, will be provided to registered participants prior to the program start date.

Cancellation, Substitution, and Program Changes Policy

All cancellation and substitution requests must be submitted in writing.

Cancellations

  • Cancellations received 14 days or more prior to the program start date will receive a full refund, minus a $250 administrative fee.

  • Cancellations received within 14 days of the program start date are non-refundable.

Substitutions

  • Substitutions may be made at any time prior to the program start date at no additional cost.

  • If pre-program assessments have already been completed, associated assessment fees are non-refundable.

Program Changes

The University of South Florida reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a program. In the event of cancellation by the University, registered participants will receive a full refund.

Group Pricing & Custom Options

Contact CELE.

Discount Eligibility

USF alumni and active-duty military members and veterans and USF faculty and staff are eligible for a 10% discount on all open-enrollment programs.

Please enter the appropriate discount code at checkout. Proof of eligibility may be requested.

Discounts cannot be combined with other promotional offers.

USF Alumni

USF alumni receive 10% off with code USFALUMNI10.

Military & Veterans

Active-duty military members and veterans receive 10% off with code MILITARY10.

USF Faculty & Staff

Current USF faculty and staff receive 10% off open-enrollment programs with code USFFACSTAFF10.