Four Sources of Personal Organizational Power
Website design By BotEap.comPower within an organization comes mainly from two factors: personal attributes and the person’s formal position: Who are you versus Where are you. (Note: This is not about organizations with strong chains of authority and communication, such as the military or the police, which is based on rank. Although other non-military organizations have a hierarchy of authority, it is not enforced as rigidly as in the military.)
Website design By BotEap.comThere are four specific characteristics that we must discuss within the scope of who you are:
Website design By BotEap.com1. Your experience – Specialized job-related knowledge is a huge asset because it blurs the lines of background, formal education, or who you know. In other words, if you’re an expert at doing the organization’s work, you have some personal power based on your expert knowledge, and everyone recognizes that.
Website design By BotEap.comThe problem associated with this feature is that when higher ranking people are brought in from outside, they may have to rely on lower ranking people who have more job knowledge. This can give the subordinate (probably temporary) influence within the organization that would seem disproportionate to his position, which is often low-key and nearly “invisible.”
Website design By BotEap.comThe danger for the staff member is that soon the new boss will catch up with the new position and have a better perspective of what is going on around them. At that time, he will be able to review the actions of the subordinate and judge whether they acted in the best interest of the new boss or not.
Website design By BotEap.com2. Your personal attraction – desirable characteristics seen in you by those around you. These include charisma, pleasant demeanor, and physical characteristics.
Website design By BotEap.comCharisma – defined as ” A rare personal quality attributed to leaders who arouse fervent devotion and popular enthusiasm. Personal magnetism or charm: a television news program famous for the charisma of its hosts.”*
Website design By BotEap.comAlthough that definition may make it seem like this trait is more of a gift from God than something an individual can influence, research indicates that there are some intentional behaviors that can lead to a “charismatic perception” by others:
- Express a vision of the organization that is inspiring to others.
- Incurring personal sacrifice and even risk while pursuing that vision.
- Recommend or support the use of non-traditional methods to achieve goals
- Having a seemingly uncanny sense of what is possible and being very time conscious in relation to the important issues within that vision.
- Most important of all: demonstrate sensitivity to members’ needs and concerns.
- Support an open, honest and loyal relationship.
- Being perceived as emotionally accessible: a good listener
- Provide unconditional and positive consideration and acceptance. (“I may not approve of what you did, but I’m still your friend.”)
- Bear some sacrifices if the relationship requires them.
- Be genuinely understanding or empathetic as the situation demands.
- Charisma: How can you become more charismatic?
- Pleasant Behavior – How can you demonstrate more pleasant behavior?
- What can you do to change your personal characteristics to fit more into the culture without losing your individuality?