POWER IN LEADERSHIP

Christina Day, Budget Manager

Michele Cruse, A/R Manager

September 2011

GOALS FOR TODAY

Definition of Power

Power Sources

Power Robbers and How to Manage

Powerful Relationships

Results

“ 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”

WHAT IS POWER?

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

WHAT IS POWER? 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

POWER = RELATIONSHIPS = RESULTS

POWER SOURCES – POSITIONAL

Positional Power SourcesLegitimate 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)

POWER SOURCES – POSITIONAL

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

POWER SOURCES – PERSONAL 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

POWER SOURCES – PERSONAL

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

POWER ROBBERSThings 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)

POWER ROBBERS - HOW TO MANAGE•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

POWER = RELATIONSHIPS = RESULTS

“Being in power is like being a lady. If you have to remind people that you are, you aren’t.”

Margaret Thatcher

7 C’S FOR BUILDING POWERFUL RELATIONSHIPS Character Courage Commitment Cautious Attentiveness Connectability Contribution Creative Perception

7 C’S FOR BUILDING POWERFUL RELATIONSHIPS 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

7 C’S FOR BUILDING POWERFUL RELATIONSHIPS 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!

POWER = RELATIONSHIPS = RESULTS

RESULTS

Appropriate use of power in relationships leads to:

Trust Respect Engaged Followers Collaboration Intelligent Decisions

RESULTS 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?

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

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 inthe following situations. Is it the right one?Supervisor/bossCo-workersMarriageParenting

QUESTIONS?