By Sunday Tollefson, MBA, PMP® 

This week's microlearning subject is the eighth in a nine-part series from the book "How to be a Star at Work: 9 Breakthrough Strategies You Need to Succeed" by Robert E Kelley.

The eighth strategy is ORGANIZATIONAL SAVVY.

When organizational savvy is broken down into its various components, the magic and mystery disappear and it is apparent that this is a learnable skill. Some are shocked to discover, when seeking a promotion, there is a built-in bias against those with technical specialization. They are perceived as unable to maneuver effectively in a workplace.

How to master organizational savvy:

1. Master the core skills of taking initiative, taking criticism, and networking.
2. Understand ”underground” org charts and “trust maps” to determine actual power centers.
3. Pay attention to cultural etiquette, internal attitudes, workplace rules, and symbols that managers embrace.
4. Access detailed knowledge of the company...