Professional Skills Development Course for Women in the Energy Sector

The course emphasizes the importance of being politically savvy in the workplace, which is defined as understanding how power and influence are distributed within an organization and leveraging this knowledge to achieve both personal and organizational goals. According to the course materials, workplace politics is a natural part of organizational life, and rather than viewing it negatively, participants are encouraged to be aware of it and learn to navigate it for the best outcomes. Political savvy is described as a deep understanding of what other people need, born of empathy, listening, and honest communication. This understanding allows individuals to identify and leverage the influence of others within the organization, regardless of their title or official duties. The course outlines eleven habits of politically savvy employees, including being aware of the flow of power and influence within the organization, understanding different people's hidden agendas, and using this knowledge to one's advantage. Participants are also encouraged to develop an action plan with five next steps to put their newly gained knowledge into practice. To facilitate this learning, the course includes interactive elements, such as breakout groups and a poll, to engage participants and encourage discussion. The course also provides handouts, including a guide to political awareness and a political behavior exercise, to support participants in developing their skills. The course emphasizes the importance of being open to new ideas, respecting other views, and being punctual, as outlined in the ground rules. Participants are also encouraged to use the chat function to type questions, comments, and contributions, and to give feedback using reaction icons and the chat. By the end of the course, participants are expected to gain an understanding of the importance of being politically savvy in the workplace, identify practical strategies for navigating workplace politics effectively, and develop an action plan to put their knowledge into practice. The course aims to equip women with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in leadership positions and to navigate the complexities of workplace politics.