Power, Politics, and Leadership in the Workplace

Abstract

The concept of power has a negative connotation and is frequently associated with abuse. Individuals wanting or needing power are often labeled authoritarian, dictators, duplicitous, and narcissists. Yet without power, human behavior cannot be influenced toward a desired outcome, or as David McClelland terms it, an achievement motivation. In fact, McClelland believes leaders should embrace power, 1 because his research has shown that inhibited power can lead to high-blood pressure and other health issues. 2 While power has strong negative characteristics, its significance cannot be denied or ignored. Research has shown that power can be exercised in either a self-serving or a responsible way. 3 Now the question is, what will your approach be? Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? 1. Doing your best is not enough. You need to be the best. 2. Being in a position of power is the only way to gain the respect of others. 3. Being in a position of power means that you are superior to others. 4. Being in a position of authority is better than being expected to follow. 5. I am uncomfortable if I am not in charge of the project. 6. I aim to win at whatever I am competing in. If answered in the affirmative, each of the above statements represents a self-serving approach. Being self-serving does not make you a bad leader, nor does acting responsibly make you a good leader. You will be judged by your values and the results you produce. That will require you to influence those you lead. According to Warren Bennis, “The standard criteria for choosing top-level managers are technical competence, people skills, conceptual skills, judgment, and character. And yet effective leadership is overwhelmingly the function of only one of these—character.” 4 How a person answers the following questions can define his or her character: ❏ Who am I? ❏ Who could I be? ❏ Who should I be? ❏ How should I relate to the world outside myself?