A520.9.5.RB_Power

Power = a possession of control (organizationally based), authority (manager or leader), or influence over others (hierarchy). This small word packs a heavy punch when it is used incorrectly or abusively. When I started my career I wanted to be powerful and I thought it would be hard for me being a woman in this cut-throat dog-eat-dog world but I quickly realized that my personal ability to stay calm under pressure, reframe from jumping to conclusions and addressing the problem (not the people involved) has enabled me to establish a small sense of power in the position I am in now. It is a nice feeling when people come and open up to you because they trust you and know that you are there to help not just listen. I think having trust and the ability to influence people is important when properly executing power but it has to be done correctly. Business Ethics was a class I really enjoyed and I still try to read books and articles designed around what is changing in the business ethics world and what I have noticed if you treat your employees and colleagues like people you are more likely to get a better response from them. I am from the south and my mother used to always tell me, “You will catch more flies with honey rather than vinegar.”

Table 5.4 Characteristics of Likeable People is almost designed specifically for me. I feel that in order to be a good, strong and successful leader you need to embody the characteristics depicted in the table.

1.      Support an open, honest and loyal relationship

    Trust is formed and maintained when both people feel a sense of support, honesty and loyalty.

2.      Foster intimacy by being emotionally accessible

    Others want to feel as though you are emotionally available to them when they need you.

3.      Provide unconditional, positive regard and acceptance

    Being positive attracts people, negativity detracts people

4.      Endure some sacrifices if the relationship should demand them

    A give and take relationship shows flexibility; leaders must be flexible

5.      Provide social reinforcement in the form of sympathy

    Although you may not always understand what is the other person is going through, reinforce their decisions with a sense of sympathy; this will help establish a bond

6.      Engage in the social exchanges necessary to sustain a relationships

    Continuing a constant exchange of communication helps to continue the growth process in a relationship; maintenance

Managing a relationship with your boss is not always an easy task but it is necessary. I have worked for a few bosses who were almost impossible to get along with and there were days where tears were shed out of pure frustration. According to Table 5.5, Managing the Relationship with Your Boss, making sure you understand and apply the following will ensure a better working environment and relationship.

Make sure you understand your boss, including:

1.      Your boss’s goals and objectives

    Enables both people to understand the purpose of the working relationship

2.      The pressures on him or her

    Respect their pulls and restraints for others and be respectful of it

3.      Your boss’s strengths and weaknesses, blind spots

    Understanding your boss, where can you help and what areas you should always let them lead

4.      His or her preferred work style

    Sets expectations of what is expected from their subordinates

Asses yourself, including:

5.      You own strengths and weaknesses

    How can your own strengths and weakness assist in daily tasks and projects for your position and your boss

6.      Your personal style

    Know your style and be self-aware

7.      Your predisposition toward dependence on authority figures

    Understand you role in the organization and know the boundaries

Develop and maintain a relationship that:

8.      Fits the needs and styles of you both

    Establish a relationship that plays on both strengths and weaknesses

9.      Is characterized by mutual expectations

    Know what is expected from you as the subordinate and your supervisor

10.  Keeps your boss informed

    Never leave your boss out of the dark it will eliminate conflict and friction

11.  Is based on dependability and honesty

    Continue to build on the relationship and maintain a good disposition within the organization

12.  Selectively uses your boss’s time and resources

    Do not waste your boss’s time and never abuse resources that are provided to you

I believe that power can be used and abused but when it is used properly and effectively it has the ability to evoke change and growth in any organization. The bond and relationship between boss and subordinate is essential, once the foundation is in place it will need to be maintained, never abused or misused.