Leadership

Power and influence are factors that need control in each and every organization, and there is a need for them to be controlled. In fact, most of the people relate power to all negative attributes although that is not the case. Others feel that power means that people in an organization are being manipulated. Further, there is a feeling that they are also being dominated and even coerced do what do not please them. Power is a key aspect of each and every organization. However, it is critical to understand how to use power, so as to maintain a healthy organization.

Power and influence in our organization can be sourced from different avenues. This power can either be a formal or informal source of power. The formal source of power is obtained through the acquisition of titles such as senior vice-president, supervisor, and manager. These positions are accompanied by responsibilities that come along with the title. These roles may include rewarding the other and also punishing. The rewarding activities as a leader that one might give is like giving a pay raise and assigning them duties that are way above the ones the other colleagues are getting. Some of the punishments that a leader in formal positions might give are like disciplining the people with bad conduct. Further, as the leader, one may be forced to limit some of the people from accessing some resources in the organization (Luecke, 2015).

The other source of power is referred to as the informal source or the personal power. This power develops within oneself. In fact, the acquisition of highly valued skills and knowledge occur in this kind of power also referred to as the expert power. The associate power is an informal power that is built upon what one knows and the people who know you. This source of power takes time for people to gain confidence in the leaders. However, they are not easily forgotten because the leaders that have this kind of power have charisma and can influence very many people at once.

Obtaining of power and influence in an organization requires that an individual possesses a unique characteristic that will ensure that he/she has a say in the organization. Some of the traits that one must have to access this kind of power and authority are high levels of intelligence. Intelligence incorporates many traits and skills such as problem-solving, deleting roles, and making wise decisions. Therefore, to have access to these powers, an individual must ensure fairness to all people. Practicing fairness ensures that people have built trust in their leader. Charisma is needed to charm and influence the follower to follow your ideals. Most of the people require a leader who is influential and capable of attracting a huge following. For instance, this trait will be needed when bringing several changes that will impact the organization. The leader needs to have the ability to persuade and influence others by ensuring there is the presence of power (DuBrin, 2011).

The leader must make sure that he is capable of showing up face-to-face with the people being led. Accessing power and influence in an organization, it is paramount to have the power of the voice. In short, one should be willing to talk and share constructive ideas with the people. Additionally, the power to team people together is a basic requirement that will ensure that a leader can obtain the benefits of power. Persistence is a factor that will also contribute to increased acquisition of the benefits of power. Giving up is a trait that should never be witnessed from a leader who people need to be led. In fact, many people will never support a person knowing that he/she easily gives up when faced with difficulty situations. Therefore, to reap maximum benefits from leadership, a person is expected to ensure that they exercise persistence regardless of the situation that they are facing. The benefits of power will only be obtained by a person who is capable of persisting and making things happen. Further, all these actions are specially made to ensure that it is for the benefits of others and not for self-gratification. In some situations, everything may seem as if they are failing. As a result, as a leader, it is the expectations of each and every individual to hold on the situation and keep at it. Therefore, to reach the desired goals as a leader, you should eliminate all the self-doubt that may manifest itself.

Increasing the share of power is one of the major goals that every person in power desires to accomplish. Several ways can be undertaken to increase the share of power in the organization. Convincing is the best method that will ensure that one has increased influence and power in any setting. Convincing will only work effectively if the leader is willing to offer ideas that are supposed to bring change to the people. The ideas presented by the leaders should be logical, and the leader must be capable of presenting rational explanations that are convincing. Asserting is also another trait that will increase the share of power in an individual. As a leader, one is expected to insist that the ideas that you present gain audience and also challenge the ideas that are presented by other people.

Inspiring others is a style that will ensure that the people being led are capable of understanding the sense of the shared purpose and the possibilities that your leadership will present. Building relationships and helping people connect will increase a share of power. Strong relationships will be built through devoting time to understand and listen to other people and also building coalitions. Finally, the power to negotiate will also increase the ability satisfy the interest of people being led. This trait will increase power through making compromises that will ensure that strong cohesion is made to increase concessions that will increase the success of the organization (Lussier, 2010).

References DuBrin, A. J. (2011). Leadership: Research findings, practice, and skills. Mason, OH : South-Western Cengage Learning. Luecke, R. (2015). Power, influence, and persuasion: Sell your ideas and make things happen . Boston: Harvard Business School Press. Lussier, R. N. (2010). Leadership: Theory, application, skill development . Australia : SouthWestern/Cengage Learning.