Jennifer Selby Long: Navigating Power, Politics, and Personal Change

Jennifer Selby Long, the executive coach for tech leaders with 30 plus years of experience, dives into the art of navigating organizational politics and leading effective change.

She explores the roots of workplace power struggles, from unhealthy leadership dynamics to competing stakeholder needs, and shares how empathy can transform political challenges into progress. Jennifer breaks down common missteps in handling ineffective bosses and highlights the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals during times of transformation. Whether you’re managing a team or managing your own career pivot, her insights offer a practical roadmap for thriving in complex environments.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Aligning Change with Personal Motivations

“People don’t move mountains for stock prices or cost savings. They do it when the change connects to their personal ‘why’—what matters most to them as individuals.”

Recognize the Root of Politics

“Politics can stem from unhealthy leadership, but more often, they arise from competing needs and varied skill levels among stakeholders. Identifying the source is key to navigating them.”

Empathy as a Superpower

“The path through political challenges begins with empathy. Understand the needs of those with power—even if you think they don’t deserve it—and align your strategy with their goals.”

Avoid Playing Psychologist

“Trying to diagnose your boss’s issues only disempowers you. Focus on what you can control instead of guessing why your boss behaves the way they do.”

Assess the Real Problem

“Ask yourself: Is the boss genuinely ineffective, or am I resisting the changes they’re implementing? Recognizing your own resistance can help you approach the situation constructively.”

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Jennifer Selby Long

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Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously.

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