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Capitalizing on Your Political Savvy 135

1. Be attentive by focusing on the other person completely
without distraction. I think that we forget the importance of
doing this because we are so used to multitasking and dividing
our attentions. But tuning out all but one thing for that period of
time can be both challenging and rewarding.
2. Convey appreciation by saying something to the other person
about what they’ve done or by doing something physical—a
handshake or high-five is about right at the office. Sometimes
it’s as simple as a nod of the head, a note or e-mail of
acknowledgment, or a mere “thank you.”
3. Assert affirmation, which means to be true and express your
level of understanding and commitment to others. Provide a
response in a positive and supportive way.

Develop a Sense of Timing

Sometimes the best idea won’t get heard because people are not ready
to hear it. At other times, a person can hesitate to speak up to express
interest in something or to raise a question and they lose an oppor-
tunity that never presents itself again.
Those nonverbal cues, your empathy, and awareness of context
will give you a good idea of whether it’s in your best interest to
plunge ahead or hang back and wait for another day to speak.
For example, let’s say you are presenting to your company’s exec-
utive committee, and you introduce what you believe is a great idea
but get no response—nothing either positive or negative. Are people
looking out the window, chatting with each other, and checking their
e-mail? Clearly you aren’t grabbing them.