POWER
AA 668
Class #2 Notes
The word "power" has some negative connotations (abuse, boss, corruption) but it isn't always bad - -try to find new words or new ways of thinking to put "power" into a positive.
E.C.'s defn ability to mobolize resources and accomplish productive work.
2 TYPES OF POWER
personal power sources you have control over
Positional power result of position you are in right now
HOW TO GAIN PERSONAL POWER
expertise - knowledge, capabilities, (this is why I go to school!) Knowledge is Power
personal
attraction -not supermodel beautiful, but charisma - agreeable behaviors, ability to inspire / charm. Physical charasteristics (such as dress, grooming, self confidence, etc.) do come into play.
effort, commitment, motivation allows you to be heard, and you get more responsibility - demonstrate - to commit to the good of the organization / group
legitmany actions are consistent with values of organization
HOW TO GAIN PERSONAL POWER
sources of centrality are you in touch with people / access to information?
criticallityhow necessary is position to the function of organization (Exc. Dir. / Janitor) (Lisa B. "Make yourself invaluable")
visibilitydegree you're seen by influential people who make decisions
relevence to central goal of organization (I/e/ standing at copier all day ins't relevant to mission - in internships you have to do that stuff - but push past by being in place where you have visibility!!!)
* * * * *BUILD ON BOTH AREAS - PERSONAL AND POSITIONAL * * * * *
STRATEGIES TO BUILD INFLUENCE
1. coersion and intimidation not often useful, but think of a 2 year old and a hot stove - you can't reason with them at this point
2. exchange and integration good way to build influence. Think rewards and symbotic relationships
3. reason why you should do what I say - facts and personal values - lobbyists approach to legislators (unless they have power enough to use intimidation (- :
That's the business way of looking at Power - Janet Jagberg has a more "spiritual / personal approach.
You have personal power to the extent
you can link capacity for action
to personal reflection
It's a developmental - - like life stages. It takes time to develop and each stage has strategies. Experience and age do not predict - but they can be factors.
SIX STAGES
1. Powerlessness
2. Power by association
3. Power by acheivement
4. Power by reflection
5. Power by purpose
6. Power by wisdom
see p. 12 of profile for descriptions, characteristics, tips to move, and deterrents
