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).