We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” While knowledge and expertise are undoubtedly important, the ability to navigate complex social dynamics and build meaningful relationships is often the key to unlocking true influence.
Recently, we hosted an insightful webinar on the concept of “Sly Civility,” a nuanced approach to power and a term coined by Homi Bhabha, that emphasizes personal attributes like charm, persuasion, and strategic maneuvering. It further confirms our belief that true influence comes not just from having authority, but from understanding and working within the unspoken rules of ‘the corporate game.”
The webinar, presented by Dr. Donna J. Nicol, highlighted five core strategies for building soft power through Sly Civility. Let’s delve into each of these principles:
Quiet Observation and Extensive Preparation:
Before making a move, take the time to understand the landscape. Study the institutional culture, identify the key players, and discern where the gaps and opportunities lie. This groundwork allows you to position yourself strategically and effectively advocate for underrepresented groups.
Build Relationships to Gain Access and Influence:
Cultivate genuine connections with key constituents. Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards; it’s about building rapport, demonstrating genuine interest in others, and fostering mutually beneficial relationships. These connections can provide access to otherwise unreachable circles and amplify your influence. The key is to stay consistent.
Downplay Identity, Play to the Norm:
This strategy, while potentially controversial, emphasizes the importance of understanding the prevailing norms and expectations of a given environment. Strategically disarming potential biases by adhering to certain standards of behavior can create space for your ideas and contributions to be heard without prejudice. It’s about navigating the system strategically, not compromising your values.
Practice Instrumental Leadership:
True leadership isn’t about wielding authority, or dumbing down…it’s about inspiring and guiding others. Valued leadership leverages personal relationships, a moderate stance, and a demonstrated track record of competence to gain the trust and deference of colleagues and even potential opponents.
Accept Responsibility as Advocate:
Use your influence to champion the interests of others. Become a voice for the underrepresented, leveraging your position and resources to create opportunities and level the playing field. If you don’t advocate for others, how can you expect others to advocate for you? Alternatively, don’t expect others to advocate for you. Just be the voice!
Putting it into Practice:
Sly Civility isn’t about manipulation or deception. It’s about understanding the dynamics of power and influence and using that knowledge to create positive change. It’s about building bridges, fostering understanding, and strategically navigating complex environments to achieve goals.
By embracing these five principles, you can unlock your own potential for soft power and become a true force for positive change within your educational organization and beyond.