Power and influence are a part of everyone’s life.
Typically we see this demonstrated in a corporate setting, ranging from a Chief Executive Officer down to an entry level employee. Power and influence, however, are not tethered to just the corporate world, they are also found in social and family environments, as well. We will be looking at sources of power and influence that are specific to the organization that I work in, how that power and influence is accessed, the major factors in gaining the power and influence, and finally how to increase your power and influence.Most of the information presented can be considered relevant across not only corporate situations, but also in family and social settings. First we will look into sources of power and influence within the organization where I work.
There are two main sources of power; formal and personal (Robbins & Judge 2008). Formal power refers to an earned position of authority, examples of this would include an assistant manager, store manager, district manager and so forth up to and including the CEO. Personal power is gained by an individuals subject expertise or through admiration and respect of the individual (Robbins & Judge 2008).We see personal power develop on a peer level when hard-working and experienced employees are admired by newer and younger employees. By showing a sense of loyalty to not only the company, but fellow staff as well, personal power grows. There are many times as well, when we take direction from individuals that are not our direct superior, but are experts in a specific field such as; accounting, information technology, or marketing.
I have also noticed that this type of power is very relevant in the relationship between vendors and store management and staff.Finally, because I work in a retail industry, there is definitely a power and influence dynamic that occurs between the employees and customers. I have the ability to increase sales using the influence of suggestive sales when I am engaged with customers. Next, we will evaluate my ability to access the power and influence in my company. I have direct access on a daily basis to in-store management, I can communicate with them face to face or through email.
I also have, occasional access to address concerns in person with the district manager, this position is also available by email and phone.The company that I work for also provides a hotline, where an employee can address any concerns that they may have, the employee can also choose to remain anonymous. A unique way that the company has given more to the employees is through a program called idea innovations. This program started as a one-time company-wide brainstorming session, after its success, the program was made permanent, and any employee can offer suggestions on how to improve existing processes or even creating entirely new methods or programs. There are both positive and negative factors that lead to obtaining benefits of power and influence.A few positive factors include; charisma, knowledge and experience, and respectful communication (Yukl, 2006).
A fantastic example of these positive factors coming together can be seen in the career of Apple’s late CEO, Steve Jobs. Jobs was captivating, had wisdom, and was an effective communicator. A short list of negative factors include; charisma, coercion, and fear (Robbins & Judge, 2008). Charisma is relevant in both ends of the spectrum, because it is needed for a leader to gain influence, but once power is achieved, personal motivations can cause the leader to exploit their charisma for personal gain.This behavior has caused numerous corporations to crumble, including Enron and MCI. This negative set of conditions, in a social setting, has been seen historically in the rise of dictatorships such as, Nazi Germany and Communist Cuba.
Finally, we need to analyze the ways that someone can increase their share of power and influence. To be able to advance with formal power, an individual would need to excel in their current role, this would allow them to be considered for and earn promotions, which would bring more authority.An individual wishing to grow their personal power, should train to become an expert that is relevant to the organization, such as an accountant. Another way to expand personal power is by developing interpersonal skills, be being able to communicate effectively and respectfully, a person will gain the admiration of their peers. Ultimately, in every relationship their is a leader created from power.
Followers will give personal power by attempting to gain approval from the leader, regardless of whether or not it is a formal leader. Power and influence will not exist if there are not followers. Power is simply a part of everyday life.
