Power and Influence

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“Leadership is the process of influencing people…” This is a fundamental concept from ADRP 6-22 we are all familiar with. While influence might be the essence of leadership, it is not the start point. It all begins with power, the capacity an individual has to influence the attitude or behavior of others. Influence without power is like a car without an engine—no matter how good it looks, it still won’t get you anywhere. This lesson focuses on understanding the interrelationship of six critical concepts: power, influence, commitment/compliance, influence tactics, emotional intelligence, and leadership styles. A critical leadership thread runs through each of these concepts and, if inculcated into your thinking, will make you very effective organizational-level leaders.  

Our case study to illustrate these ideas is from the American Red Cross. The president of the organization in 2001 was Dr. Bernadine Healy, one of the most talented and successful leaders in the field of American medicine; a woman with the attitude and drive that would be the envy of any Sergeant Major. In her two years at the Red Cross, she unerringly identified critical organizational shortfalls and the necessary fixes to modernize this American institution. The result of her actions? She was fired. By studying the context of Dr. Healy’s situation and the events leading to her dismissal, you will better understand the relationship between power and influence, and how it can be harnessed to change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of followers to gain commitment within an organization.