This document discusses the concept of power, including its sources and how it can be leveraged both positively and negatively. It notes that power has traditionally come from positions of authority but that in today's knowledge economy, personal talents and relationships are also sources of power. The document outlines several positional power sources like legitimate, reward, coercive and information power as well as personal power sources like expertise, charisma and connections. It also discusses things that can diminish power and provides strategies for managing power responsibly through qualities like character, courage and contribution to build trusted relationships and achieve results.
2. Definition of Power
Power Sources
Power Robbers and How to Manage
Powerful Relationships
Results
3. “ Power often gets a bad rap. Power has the potential to
be seductive, intoxicating or lead to abuse. When power
is abused, individuals and organizations suffer. But like
most other values, power can be leveraged for good or
ill.
The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible
use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use – of
how to get men of power to live for the public rather
than off the public.”
Robert F. Kennedy (1964) “The Pursuit of Justice”
4. Post world-war era – lots of military leaders
in workforce means a top-down directive
management style. Power = Rank
1970’s – 90’s – Situational Leadership model
developed by Blanchard & Hersey, calling for
different leadership styles depending on the
situation. Power = Collaboration
5. 1990’s – present – Power must be earned.
“Knowledge Economy” where individuals with
talent have power. Leaders must inspire people
to use talent.
Technology distributes information more broadly
up and down the command chain.
Demographics change as women move into
positions of authority.
Power = Relationship = Results
“The ability to affect others to get the outcomes
we desire”
You get what you give
7. Positional Power Sources
Legitimate Power: comes from the belief that a
person has the right to make demands and
expect compliance
US President, CEO, Fire Chief, Parent
Dependent on position/title – if you lose that, you lose
your power.
Reward Power: Ability to give rewards
Raises/promotions, training, compliments
When you use up the rewards, you’re out of power!
May not have total control over rewards (salary
increases)
8. Coercive Power: Ability to punish or threaten
Firing/demotion, denied privileges
Most abused category – creates cold, technocratic
environment
Information Power: Based on possession of or
access to info perceived as valuable
Often found in persons with less position-based power
and/or long-term employees
Assistants, Technicians
9. Personal Power Sources
Expert Power: demonstrated knowledge and
expertise in a subject matter
People look to you for leadership in subject area
Doesn’t require positional power to build/maintain
Referent Power: admiration, charm, appeal – can
come from respect in a relationship.
Celebrities
Given, not earned - Can be easily abused if given to
person lacking integrity and honesty
10. Connection Power: Based on your connections
with important or influential persons
President’s Assistant, play soccer with VP, Santa Claus
Can be abused by follower
11. Things that rob you of your power
• Life Situations – trying to function at a
professional level when life is happening (the 3 F’s –
family, friends, finances)
•Co-Workers/Peers – Either end of the spectrum Collaboration /
Clashing
•Managing People – managing emotions, personalities, & then
the task
•Demands/Deadlines – managing competing priorities,
emergencies, approaching deadlines.
•Introspection - perspective, self interpretation, giving it energy
(positive or negative)
12. •You first / WIFM
•Managing others vs. others managing you
•Saying NO
•Setting/Managing expectations up & down
•Taking breaks/lunch away from the office/desk
•Creating a soothing environment – pictures, plants,
music, walking, exercise, etc.
•Balancing the good & bad
•EAP website
14. “Being in power is like being a lady. If you
have to remind people that you are, you
aren’t.”
Margaret Thatcher
16. Character – Ability to manage competing
demands with integrity and honesty.
Courage – Take calculated risks, hoping for a
good outcome, and be prepared for losses.
Commitment – The will and strength to keep
forging ahead when setbacks come.
Cautious Attentiveness – Consider all the
facts when making a decision, think through
the consequences
17. Connectability – Ability to develop
meaningful relationships –power can be
gained through relationships!
Contribution – Be willing to serve others and
put their needs before your own
Creative Perception – Clearly articulate your
vision, show your passion for what could be
to motivate others!
19. Appropriate use of power in relationships leads
to:
Trust
Respect
Engaged Followers
Collaboration
Intelligent Decisions
20. If you’re not getting the results you want,
look at:
Power – what type are you using? Is it
appropriate for that person/situation? Are you
allowing something/someone to rob your power?
Relationship – how much effort have you put into
building the relationship? Do they know what
you want from them?
21. Think of a situation when someone robbed your
power. Knowing the 7 C’s now, what could you
do differently in that relationship to regain your
power?
Identify the power source you are using in
the following situations. Is it the right one?
Supervisor/boss
Co-workers
Marriage
Parenting
Technology:
Decouples power from position.
Public life vs. private life erodes (behaviors, working hours).
Today, Power is defined in terms of relationships – the type of power you use determines your relationship, which determines your results.
So, let’s talk about the types of power we have available to use…