Political skill: An antidote for workplace stressors

Abstract

Executive Overview Why do so many executives thrive in stressful situations while others break down? Why are some so adept at coping with the complex and dynamic ambiguity, accountabilities, politics, and interpersonal dimensions of executives' jobs? Executives face numerous work stressors and job demands that can lead to stress. We suggest that succeeding in and managing stressful organizational environments is at least partially due to the exceptionally good political skills possessed by many executives. Political skill is an interpersonal style that manifests itself in social astuteness and the ability to engage in behaviors that give impetus to feelings of confidence, trust, and sincerity. Executives high in political skill are better able to cope with the chronic workplace stressors they encounter. Specifically, political skill represents a type of interpersonal control that allows people to differentially interpret workplace stressors in less aversive ways, and thus cope more effectively, which reduces strain. We believe political skill can be shaped, and thus represents a productive new area for management development programs.