Power - Use it Wisely Or Pay the Price

The truth about power is that it is a necessary ingredient for leaders who want to get thing done. It can be either good or bad depending upon how it is used. Some people seek out power, while others either don't know they have jasa sedot wc depok it or don't choose to use it. Smart leaders realize that they need to have enough power to implement their vision. They will seek to acquire and use it in a positive way to move their organization forward. They will deliberately build a power base that they need to be successful. So what are the sources of power? How do leaders acquire power? Generally power is acquired in these seven ways:

1. Position power: People who occupy a position of authority have a certain amount of power that is simply associated with that position. They can either enhance it or degrade it. However, simply by holding a leadership position in an organization, they will be able to exercise some level of power solely due to the fact that they have the title or are formally designated as the leader.

2. Expert power: Some people acquire expert power through their knowledge. They are experts in their field and people recognize them as the "go to person" when someone needs insights into how to solve a problem or understand how something works. They acquire this power though disciplined study and sharing their knowledge with others over time. Some people may have a degree or other formal designation to support their claim to be an expert, but the key to retaining expert power is the actual knowledge that someone has about something of importance to the organization.

3. Task Power: Power associated with a task is related to their ability to either help or hinder someone or some process based on their ability to complete the task. Every process is a series to steps or tasks that need to be completed. Some tasks are more important than others, and some can only be done by a very few individuals. If there are only one or two people who can complete a particular task, then they will have more power than others where there are lots of people who can do it. In some ways this might be similar to position power, but it generally is more specifically related to a discreet task rather than a general leadership position. Sometimes they might also be referred to as "gate keepers' because the can exert control on the process or access to people and resources.

4. Charisma Power: Some people are blessed with a winning personality and can light up a room. Others are celebrities who have become famous or infamous based on their previous publicity. People who have an engaging personality or who have some degree of celebrity have charisma power. Sometimes this might be known as personal power. Regardless of what it is called, the power is specific to the individual and is only available to those who have the charm or personality to garner this type of power.

5. Relationship Power: Relationships can create a power base, especially if those relationships are with other powerful people. By either association or a more deliberate delegation of power, some people are recognized as powerful solely because they either know someone or work for someone who has power and influence. Relationship power can also be acquired simply by have extensive relationships with peers or others who can be called upon to help when needed. Relationship power is generally built over time and a result of getting to know people who will trust you.

6. Moral Power: Power can also be derived by taking the ethical "high road." This may depend somewhat on the culture, because different cultures can have differing viewpoints on what is ethical or moral; however, certain fundamental moral principles transcend local cultures and are more universally recognized. When someone acts within the norms of morality, they will be acting from a base of power because most people will defer to those norms.

7. Force Power: Sometimes people have power because they have the means to use force. In extreme circumstances, this might be because they are armed with weapons, but in most other cases, it might not be so raw. In the workplace, this might be related to someone's ability to mete out rewards and punishment - or withholding rewards. Essentially force power is using some kind of carrot and stick to get people to comply with something. Force power is brute power and is easy to abuse. It should be exercised with caution.

These seven sources of power can be used either in combination or individually. Most successful leaders will acquire their power from several sources which makes them more powerful than they would otherwise be if they only relied on their position power. However, effective leaders also know that they must use their power wisely. They pick their battles, and use their power to positively advance their goals and objectives for the common good. If they use their power for self-aggrandizement or self-dealing, then they risk losing their power over time. Their followers will recognize them as someone who is more concerned about their own well-being rather than the well-being of the organization. Ultimately they will pay the price either by diminishing their existing power or their ability to lead altogether. So if you are a leader, understand where your power comes from, but use it wisely.

Views: 3

Comment

You need to be a member of On Feet Nation to add comments!

Join On Feet Nation

© 2024   Created by PH the vintage.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service