S2 E3 - Political Savviness and the Workplace with Betsy Jordyn

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Art of Political Savvy

Office politics is often viewed in a negative light, but as Betsy explains, it’s all about balance and perspective. Politics doesn’t have to be toxic—it can actually foster collaboration and drive initiatives forward. She shares how understanding the balance of power and aligning different departments can fuel positive change.

Betsy offers a deep dive into her work at Disney, showing how she balanced the needs of various departments to create the successful “Basics” initiative that’s now taught globally. This case study highlights how political savvy can lead to innovative results when handled ethically.

2. Good vs. Bad Politics

In the podcast, we break down the difference between good and bad politics. While good politics aligns teams toward common goals, bad politics leads to dysfunction, competition, and, in some cases, toxic environments. Betsy helps us understand the key indicators of both and how to encourage a positive culture that thrives on collaboration.

3. Dealing with Toxic Work Environments

We also tackle the tough subject of workplace toxicity. What happens when politics turn toxic? Betsy shares stories of working in toxic environments and how she maintained her integrity while guiding organizations through tough transitions. Whether you’re leading a team or consulting with a client, this part of the conversation is packed with insights into managing toxicity and staying true to your values.

4. Strategic Framing and Listening

Another key takeaway from the episode is the importance of deep listening and strategic framing. Betsy explains how truly understanding what different stakeholders need—and framing projects accordingly—can be a game-changer. By asking the right questions and listening closely, you can uncover the true goals behind a project and set it up for success.

5. Tools for Success

In the episode, Betsy also introduces her Consulting Toolbox, designed for internal and external consultants to improve their political savvy, manage stakeholder relationships, and navigate challenging environments with confidence. She’s made these tools available to help consultants and leaders thrive in any organizational setting.

Why You Should Listen: This episode is perfect for anyone working in leadership, consulting, or continuous improvement roles. Whether you’re trying to break down silos, manage complex stakeholder relationships, or handle toxic environments, Betsy Jordan provides practical advice and real-world examples that will help you succeed.

You’ll walk away with:

• Strategies for managing office politics ethically and effectively
• Insights into balancing different perspectives for organizational success
• Tips on dealing with toxicity and maintaining your professional integrity
• Real-life stories from transformative projects, including Betsy’s work at Disney