Tag Archives: earned power

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Free Will

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When you come to a fork in the road, choose free will. Free will represents the exercise of power to act without the constraint of necessity or fate; the ability to act at one’s own discretion.

It may seem at times the choice is not yours to make due to arbitrary constraints, external pressures, forced needs or just happenstance.  Ultimately though, choosing free will is always the best choice.

Use the Power Within

Each of us has the ability to create and use earned power.  We all have the ability to select, influence and change an outcome (i.e., the exercise of free will) even when we are not specifically granted that authority.

This is not the default state though and the exercise of free will requires skill and effort.  When you are presented with options and need to decide your personal approach, the exercise of free will can be the most satisfying but also may be the most difficult approach.

For me, the mantra is “I choose free will”.

It is Satisfying

The most powerful argument for the exercise of free will is the associated pleasure it gives you.  It feels good to take charge of our destiny and while not usually the easiest path it is certainly the most personally fulfilling.

Of course, as will all things balance is key.  Taking charge and blatantly exercising your free will can harm relationships with others and the overall result could be catastrophic.

So do take care, but don’t dodge undertaking the use of your free will because it is too hard.  Ultimately it is worth it.

 

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Power; Corrupts or Reveals

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The phrase “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is most often attributed to a letter written by Lord Acton in the mid-nineteenth century.

The concept expressed is having power corrupts us, in essence, lessens our morality, and the more power we have, the more immoral our behavior will become.

Does Power Change Who We Are?

Author Robert Caro proposed an interesting twist to this common idiom.  Mr. Caro hypothesized, based on his research, that power does not change us, but the greater the power, the greater our ability to reveal ourselves, and we do.

In his book where he postulates this theory one example, I found compelling was that of Richard Nixon.  As a young law intern, during an early court appearance, former President Nixon was castigated by a judge who suggested based on his shady behavior maybe he should never be admitted to the bar.

As history tells us the judge was probably a bit prescient.  Nixon’s amoral behavior clearly escalated with his power.  Author Caro argues he was not corrupted by the power itself but rather used the opportunity granted by a great power to behave as he liked.

The Good News

This theory, which does appear logical and has solid supporting evidence (you need to read his book “The Power Broker” to glean more) means there is hope for all of us.

Great leaders, with their associated granted power, do not necessarily become corrupt.

By being careful to ensure (as a societal whole) that our leaders have personalities reflective of strong moral fibre and values common to the majority, we do not need to worry the power we grant them will corrupt them – it probably won’t.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Empowerment

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The term empowerment can be used to refer to the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.

Or in the corporate world, it is more commonly viewed as a component of the culture set by leadership.  In this case it is more about granted power, that is the limits of authority or power given to someone to do something.

Contradictory but Related

In one context empowerment is granted and in the other, it is just taken.  In reality, your personal empowerment is a balanced mix between these two approaches.

How much authority you earn or take on to make yourself stronger and more confident contains some risks.  You may end up suffering consequences from overstepping your granted authority (for example termination) or you may receive a great reward (for example promotion).

Own It

Seeking to become stronger and more confident by taking control of your destiny is not in direct opposition to working within granted authority limits but rather must be used with care to avoid backfiring with unpleasant results.

Ultimately though, your success and aassociated happiness is linked to taking ownership and accountability.  Push the bar, not to far but enough to enable achievement of real personal growth, without consequences.

As you move through life’s experiences seeking and executing that balance is is critical to growing your self satisfaction.  Take control learn from it and  become better for it.

Finding the optimal balance of self empowerment can  bring you great joy.

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Usurping Granted Power

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Organizations are structured hierarchically.  Whether a sharp pyramid or a flattened triangle the person at the top has power by dint of their position in the organization.

This is known as positional or granted power.  It may represent their entire power base or they may also have earned power, simply put the ability to get things down through others because they let you, usually out of respect, admiration or belief in your capability.

Using Others Granted Power

Throughout many years spent in many organizational environments it has never ceased to amaze me how people attempt to exercise power, that is get things down, by referencing someone higher in the organization.

For example, imagine a team meeting where collaboration is underway and there is an active discussion about which options or approach the group should adopt.

Almost without fail one of the arguments someone will use to support their position will go something like “our boss said we she do it this way”  Or some similar reference to someone in the organization with greater power than anyone in the group.

This can often be someone at a very senior level in the organization.  What never ceases to amaze me is how it can be a persuasive argument.

Me, doubting Thomas that I am usually asks for written verification or even offers to call or otherwise contact the aforementioned power broker.  Most often this breaks up the play.

It Works, Yike!

As I noted though it is stunning how often this ploy is successful.  So basically there is your granted or positional power, your earned power and the one often overlooked, leveraged power (totally made up).

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Arrogance/Humility

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Many organizations prize leaders with an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions.

Typically the quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s abilities (i.e., humility) is considered negatively.   When acquiring an organizational leader they need to be the best.

Perception versus Reality

While we perceive the need for a leader to be not only highly skilled and capable but to project the right image, that is not necessarily the case.

One definition of a leader is a person who holds a dominant or superior position within their field, and is able to exercise a high degree of control or influence over others.

This often get misinterpreted as needing some who is superior.  Arrogant people come of as superior, so they fit this interpretation of what a leader is.

In fact the key to effective leadership is the ability to  to exercise a high degree of control or influence over others.  Those with the ability to display  humility tend to earn their respect rather than force it (through arrogance).

Earned Power

Power that is earned, as opposed to granted or usurped, usually leads to better results.  Intuitively the militarily leader who commands the troops to charge because they say so (possibly to their death, as in the charge of the light brigade) is far more likely to fail than the leader who fights in front or at least along side the troops (i.e., setting the bar)

So build your earned power base, show a little humility.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Top down

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Traditional theory categorizes group management as top down or bottom up.  In this model bottom up is considered a weaker approach and indicative of lack of cohesive strategy or direction.

Sadly, for those that consider this concept viable, it is in fact an ancient and outmoded perspective. Today’s management philosophy is clear, effective and proactive  leadership is neither bottom nor top centric.

The approach chosen, leading from behind or in front, coaching results or directing results, ( to compare two extremes ) all work.  It is the context that leads to success, that is choosing the best approach based on the circumstances.

Show me the way

Traditional group concepts place a leader in front.  The expectation is that the group will behave in a sheep like manner, expecting the leader to get in front and set the direction for all to follow.

The modern perspective revolves around strategic leadership.  Although intrenched in the English language,  in fact, leader is no longer a relevant word.

The catalyst for group success lies with expert facilitation.  Channeling the energy of a group, team or organization does not require anyone to be in front, nor is it neccesarily the best approach.

Bottom up/Top Down

From an organizational perspective these are obsolete concepts.  High performing groups look within and cooperate seemlessly without boundaries and preconcieved notions.

In these cases the exercise of power lies with everyone.  You earn it and use for the good of all.   You are not granted the power of leadership.

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Telling Your Story

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Taking on an organizational leadership role means your prime accountability is motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal.

There are many behavioural approaches to achieving this goal.  Sucessful leaders adopt the approaches that work best for them.  This enables them to leverage behaviours which they are most comfortable with and probably best at practicing.

Nature and Nurture

There is a plethoria of studies on foundational leadership behaviour and analysis on how to best employ them.  Things like, communication, empathy, self awareness, confidence and so on.

The research continues on how much of the basic skill can be learned (nurture) and how much you are born with (nature).  There is no consensus yet but most research indicates there is some balance between natural abilty and learning.

Gaining Power

Typically, when appointed, the leader is granted power comensurate with their organizational level.  Their ultimate success will depend on the combination of granted power coupled with the power they earn following the appointment.

Earned power comes from the quality of exercise of leadership behaviours.  A key first step is getting to know your group and perhaps more importantly them getting to know you.

This leads to everyone becoming comfortable  on a personal level.  Beginning with this collegial approach begins the building of trust and respect which are the foundation of earned power.

Simply put, before embarking on the communication of strategy and objectives, specific plans and approaches, build a foundation that will support  ollaboration.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Give me some Power

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Your personal power is earned or granted.  There is no other kind.

Granted Power

Based on your position in an organization (e.g., manager, director) or role in society (e.g., politician, police person) you are granted a level of authority within which it is expected your directions will be followed.  This positional or role based power is granted under certain conditions and the level of enforcement varies.

Granted power is largely exercised through recognition of the authority and associated respect for it.  The expectation is that the rules of governing body, that is a government, political, business or social organization will be respected.

In some cases penalties exist if the rules are not respected (resisting a police officer can lead to arrest) and tools can be authorized to be used assist in the enforcement of the rules (e.g., guns).

In other cases there can be consequences like being dismissed from your job or given a stern talking to but these are softer and sometime the negative results of disrespecting authority are ignored and sometimes not even fully enforceable.

In general though, granted power is easier for those who have it to exercise as there is some level of consequence associated with ignoring instructions from those who have granted power over you.

Earned Power

If are able to get others to act or take direction without the benefit of granted power you are exercising your earned power.  Those taking the directions are following you because you earned their respect.

Which is more powerful

Many studies have show a balanced combination of earned and granted power is most efficient in both achieving long term results as well as the immediate.

On it’s own granted power is the least effective and always has the downside that if the circumstances resulting in your granted power are removed you could be in trouble  (the dictator is overthrown).

How can this knowledge help?

Whether collaborating or leading others, consider the best way to achieve the desired results.  The directions you give must be clear enough and carry the ring of authority to be respected (granted) but also must include elements of empathy, ownership and respect of others to get their buy in.