Technique 1.211 Change Politics Assessment
Introduction
It is a structured way to assess political risk, readiness and leadership capability in change.
Its purpose is to help change leaders identify political dynamics early, reduce hidden resistance and design politically intelligent change strategies.
It can be completed individually or as a leadership team by scoring each statement on a scale from 1–5:
1 = Strongly disagree
2 = Disagree
3 = Neutral/mixed
4 = Agree
5 = Strongly agree
Scoring Statements
1. Political Awareness (Seeing the System)
| Statement | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| 1.1 We understand who really influences decisions (formal & informal) | |
| 1.2 We know who stands to lose power, status, or identity | |
| 1.3 Corridor conversations are monitored and understood | |
| 1.4 Silence is interpreted as data, not agreement | |
| 1.5 We actively seek dissenting perspectives |
Subtotal 1: /25
2. Power & Influence Clarity (Knowing Where Power Sits)
| Statement | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| 2.1 Decision rights are clearly defined and understood | |
| 2.2 Informal leaders are engaged, not ignored | |
| 2.3 Resource control points are visible | |
| 2.4 Gatekeepers have been identified | |
| 2.5 Authority and influence are not confused |
Subtotal B: /25
3. Political Risk Management (Handling Resistance Strategically)
| Statement | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| 3.1 Resistance is treated as information | |
| 3.2 Political risks are discussed openly | |
| 3.3 We engage critics privately and respectfully | |
| 3.4 We avoid public power struggles | |
| 3.5 Dignity and face-saving are built into the change |
Subtotal C: /25
4. Leadership & Emotional Maturity (Managing Self)
| Statement | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| 4.1 Leaders regulate emotional reactions under pressure | |
| 4.2 Defensive behaviours are acknowledged and addressed | |
| 4.3 Curiosity is modelled over control | |
| 4.4 Leaders tolerate ambiguity and dissent | |
| 4.5 Trust is actively built, not assumed |
Subtotal D: /25
Overall Score: /100
Interpretation Guide
| Score Range | Political Maturity | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 80–100 | Politically Intelligent | High chance of sustained adoption |
| 60–79 | Politically Aware | Manageable risk with targeted action |
| 40–59 | Politically Vulnerable | Hidden resistance likely |
| Below 40 | Politically Naïve | High probability of change failure |
Some Key Reflection Questions
- Where are we most exposed?
- What political conversations are we avoiding?
- Which leaders need support, not removal?
(main source: Jeffrey Pfeffer, 2010)