Navigating politics varies across businesses, but there are some fundamental political skills that everyone can practice, making most interactions peaceful and fruitful.
We often exhibit and witness workplace politics without even realizing it. The best way to conquer them is to strengthen your awareness of these behaviors.
At its core, politics is just the dealings and interactions with others. The Baddeley and James Political Skills Model is an insightful tool broken into four quadrants. The model measures subject integrity from high to low and emotional/environmental awareness of others.
Before we dive into understanding the model, it is important to be aware that we exhibit a myriad of behaviors during our lifetime. It is rare for someone to remain in the same quadrant throughout their adult life.
This model is a great way to help build awareness of your own behaviors as well as those of others.
Understand that these are not labels but behavioral qualifiers. That means with professional development and self-work, the behaviors can be changed.
If you encounter a difficult person at work, before reacting, pause. It is wise to assess the situation and determine if sheep, fox, donkey, or owl behaviors are involved. Before responding to the situation, ask yourself, “which behavior am I exhibiting if I take a certain action?” Would I be a sheep, donkey, fox or owl? Next, ask yourself “what behavior do I want to exhibit that represents who I am and who I want to be?” If your answer is the same as before, then you are on the right track.
Beyond awareness, what more can we do? Here are some other strategies you can try:
With proper awareness, empathy, and the right attitude, you can navigate workplace politics and co-exist peacefully with difficult people. Always remember you are in control of your emotions and your actions. However, you cannot control the emotions or actions of others.
Salman Raza is author of Life’s Non-Conformities: An Auditor’s Tale of Practical Application of Social, Emotional & Behavioral Strategies, out now, priced £18.99 available on salmanraza.net and Amazon.
April
29apr11:4514:00Women in Business Networking - London networking - London City
29/04/2025 11:45 - 14:00(GMT+01:00)
The Anthologist
58 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7BB
Kick off your 2025 in style by networking with us. A fabulous mix of formal & informal networking over a facilitated business lunch
WIBN networking is here to create a platform for like-minded women, who passionately drive their business forward and collaborate with others to help them achieve success.
WIBN is a business network organisation for women business owners and employed professionals, who network each month over a facilitated business lunch. Our members support and encourage each other through collaboration and the sharing of business contacts and opportunities. The meetings are structured and effective, whilst also being supportive and friendly!
As Women Business Owners we know that one person can transform your business but think what you could achieve with a tribe of supportive and passionate business owners?? At WIBN we recognise that often women lack relevant networking opportunities simply because they network in a different way to men!
Our monthly meetings are a fabulous mix of formal and informal networking which includes your own 60 secs pitch, a focused spotlight session from a member and lunch.Our philosophy in this group is simple – No sister left behind! Come along to our WIBN group as a visitor and experience the potential to grow your business in a more productive way.
WIBN has a professional exclusivity policy so it’s one profession per group – see below * . As long as your profession is not already represented you would be welcome to visit a group twice before deciding if you want to join.
WIBN is a monthly membership group and a 12 month commitment will be required after you have visited a maximum of two times. Full details and prices will be given at the meeting.
*in the event that your profession is already represented at your chosen meeting then the organiser saves the right to propose another place or date. If we cannot relocate you then a full refund will be given.
30apr10:0016:00Women's Health Champion Course (CPD Accredited)
30/04/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+01:00)
Periods, menopause,
They’re everyday realities for millions of women and they directly impact performance, engagement and retention.
But stigma, silence and a lack of knowledge mean many managers and HR professionals don’t know how to spot the signs or have the right conversations.
It’s time to change that.
Our Women’s Health Champion Training is designed to break the silence and build real, practical support in your organisation – every single day.
Delivered by two expert trainers, this engaging course covers:
✅ Menstrual health and managing period-related challenges
✅ Fertility, pregnancy, and baby loss (including returning to work)
✅ Gynaecological conditions like endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS
✅ Menopause and long-term wellbeing
✅ Practical strategies to create a truly inclusive culture
Date: Wednesday 30th April 2025
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Place: Zoom
Cost: £495 per person
Or get in touch if you’d like us to create a bespoke course for your organisation.