The Law of Power
The Law of Power
Power is the ability to influence the allocation of people, money, and resources. It exists in all human relationships and situations. It is essential for the effective functioning of human life and society. It is neither good nor bad.
Power can be used in business in two ways: (1) to advance the interests the interests of the organization or (2) to advance the interests of the individual. When power is used skillfully to advance the interests of the organization, it is a positive force. It can improve the situation of all the people who are affected by it.
If power is used, or abused, to advance the interests of the individual to the detriment of the organization, then power becomes a negative and destructive force that can harm the organization and the people in it.
All power struggles are aimed at getting a larger part of this fixed quantity of power. The only way that the total amount of power can be increased is by increasing the size of the company, the quantity of activities and the number of people in the organization.
The leader tends to be the person who is the most capable of seizing the reins of power and holding onto them. But ultimately, true and lasting power in an organization comes from the consent of the followers. Leaders become leaders and acquire power because other people want them to have that power.
The only way to keep power once you have acquired it is to prove yourself to be the most effective at getting results by utilizing the power.
Power is invariably the 'power to do.' What are you tasked to do with the power you have? When you demonstrate your ability to get results with the power you have, you will attract to yourself opportunities to expand your power. As your power expands, you will get more and more opportunities to get ever greater and more important results. Your power and influence will continue to grow as long as you demonstrate that you can deploy it more effectively than someone else.
Four Kinds of Power You Can Develop
Expert Power. This is where you start. You concentrate on doing your job in an excellent fashion. When you are recognized as being very good at what you do, you acquire greater power and influence than people who are only average or mediocre. With expert power, you attract the respect and attention of the important people in your organization. You receive more opportunities to do what you do well. Doors open for you.
Personal Power. This form of power comes from being liked and respected by the people around you. The more people like you, the greater influence you have with them. People listen to you and are open to your suggestions and ideas. This type of power is often called 'social intelligence' or 'emotional intelligence.' It is the most helpful and ultimately the highest paid ability in our society.
Position Power. It is the power that goes with the job title. Position power includes the ability to hire and fire, to reward and punish. Position power can be separate from ability or personality. There are many unpleasant and incompetent people with position power who got it for reasons other than their ability to get the job done quickly and well or their ability to get along well with others.
Ascribed Power. This is the power you have when the people around you willingly grant you authority and influence over them because of the person you are. You attract this power by yourself by being very good at what you do and, at the same time, by being liked and respected by the people around you.
My name is Iyer Subramanian, working with Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mumbai. Can be reached by E Mail: iyerpdkgnm@yahoo.com
About the Author:
My name is Iyer Subramanian. My qualifications are as under. Bachelor of Arts, Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations, Diploma in Labor Laws & Labor Welfare, Diploma in HRM, Diploma in Training & Development.
I have around 25 years of experience in HR and write for Express Hospitality, Hospitalitybiz, Business Manager regularly on HR.