Politics... NOT a Dirty Word - Episode 8

"The moment you mention workplace politics, everyone bristles… but you really need to understand how to understand a culture of any system.” -- Mira Brancu  In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk with Dr. Mira Brancu about: Her new book, “Millennials’ Guide to Workplace Politics: What no one ever told you about power and influence.” While the title of the book suggests it is for millennials, it resonates across all ages. While the phrase “workplace politics” seems to bring up all kinds of negative thoughts, politics play a role in getting things done and getting ahead. It’s all about awareness and leveraging appropriately. Mira and co-author Jennifer Wisdom outline actionable tips for a variety of workplace situations with a table of contents that gets you to the right chapter quickly. Mira provides insights into common challenges women face in growing their careers, why these challenges persist, and how to authentically address them. Key Takeaways Political savvy plays an important role in moving toward results and getting things done. Things are not always as straightforward as we think. You can’t avoid workplace politics, you need to understand and learn how to navigate within the system. You have to learn a skill set for understanding a system.. a culture to be able to navigate in complex organizations. Politics are neutral, it is important to see the positive side of honest, positive workplace politics. There are many types of political capital that can be built over time that can support your career in a variety of ways. Dr. Mira Brancu is the founder of Brancu & Associates, a boutique consulting firm that aims to help leaders navigate large, complex organizations and helps organizations make it easier for them to navigate. She has a special passion for helping emerging and under-represented women leaders gain the influence, power, leadership, and resiliency skills needed succeed in today’s diverse, complex, and ever-changing world. She also specializes in working in healthcare, academic, federal government, and non-profit industries. With over 20 years of experience as a counselor, psychologist, researcher, leader, and consultant in large, complex organizations, Dr. Brancu has built an unrivaled understanding for how to apply psychological principles to addressing some of the most challenging leadership and management situations. She helps leaders strategically and intentionally build effective teams, resolve stressful conflicts, deliver important messages, exert influence, develop a resilient leadership mindset, and manage at all levels. Dr. Brancu received the 2020 Early Career Woman Psychologist in Management Award, has a national Psychology Today blog focused on women's leadership, is an Associate Professor at Duke University, and an Associate Editor of the Consulting Psychology Journal. Dr. Brancu holds a PhD in clinical psychology, a Master’s degree in counseling, and certificates in business essentials; diversity, equity and inclusion; Lean Six Sigma; and Transformational and Mentor Coaching.  Connect with Mira:   Email:              [email protected] LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirabrancu/ Website:         https://www.brancuassociates.com Twitter:           https://twitter.com/MiraBrancu Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/mira.brancu.31 Guest Resource Links:  Check out Mira’s blog at: www.brancuassociates.com/thoughhive-blog Book: Millennials’ Guide to Workplace Politics: What No One Ever Told You About Power and Influence MILLENNIALS' GUIDE TO WORKPLACE POLITICS: What No One Ever Told You About Power and Influence: Wisdom, Jennifer P, Brancu, Mira: 9781954374911: Amazon.com: Books Sign up for Mira’s Newsletter at: Brancu & Associates: Keep Updated About News and Events! (mailchi.mp)   UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world.  Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners.  The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives. Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love. Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career.  She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations.  She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.   Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work."  Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.   Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net   Connect with Holly: LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyteska Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska Personal Website:         www.hollyteska.com Email:              [email protected]   Connect with Kristin: LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk Personal Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/ Email:              [email protected]