The professional environment in which psychologists function dramatically impacts the services that they deliver. Psychological research indicates that politics within the workplace is a critically influential environmental factor.

This training defines “politics” as processes and behaviors between people to get things done and get needs met. While this term can be broadly applied to any professional setting, this training will highlight the unique "politics" that psychologists, other mental health clinicians, administrators, and others encounter in their professional service delivery settings.

The instructor will discuss four key concepts to navigate workplace politics:

1. The training will cover strategies to increase one’s own professional self-awareness, especially around understanding one’s sensitivities related to specific workplace behaviors.
2. Providers will gain a deeper understanding of interpersonal power and influence, including how to work with people in power and leverage the power they have to create a professional environment that is more conducive to meeting client and practitioner needs.
3. Providers will review when and how to use negotiation strategies in their roles, including in difficult conversations.
4. Providers will discuss ways to give and receive feedback to better understand sensitive political issues and learn from these challenges to improve their practice as clinicians and as psychologist-leaders. 

This training focuses on practical ways for providers to think differently about politics and to navigate political workplaces in ways that support their professional development and ability to improve client outcomes. Anytime session recorded on February 10, 2025.