As project managers, we work within a complex system of structural hierarchies, power struggles, diverse interests, individual personalities, and group dynamics all of which operate within an environment driven by organizational politics. In order to be effective in our work, we must recognize that politics is an organizational reality.

The focus for this seminar is to establish an understanding of organizational politics and discuss methods that we, as project managers (who are on the forefront of change), can work effectively within this political reality. Our journey begins by establishing an understanding of organizational politics and power. From here we will discuss the manifestations of politics within projects. In addition, political watchpoints will be discussed by project function and within the end-to-end project lifecycle. Finally, best practices will be identified to assist in navigating the political landscape that our projects operate within.