Power has the ability to influence behavior in a variety of
ways. Whetton and Cameron discussed how
human capital (personal power) and social capital (social connections) are both
legitimate sources of influence that derive from power. (2011) Having a grasp and understanding of
both sources can be beneficial for developing more individual power. Expertise, personal attraction, effort, and
legitimacy are all sources of personal power.
(Whetton & Cameron, 2011)
Expertise is task-relevant knowledge; personal attraction is desirable
characteristics associated with friendship, effort is higher-than-expected
commitment of time, and legitimacy is behavior consistent with key
organizational values. These
characteristics are important to developing personal power because they
represent you as an individual and worker.
I feel that I am comfortable with developing these
characteristics, as I would want other individuals I worked for and with to do
the same. Developing these
characteristics not only helps with personal growth, but also it show that you
are serious, but reasonable when it comes to getting the job done and doing it
right. In our class discussions this
week, we discussed a variety of ways to avoid the “death by power point”. I feel that the general rules of developing a
good, interesting presentation can also be applied in a similar manner to the
methods used to develop characteristics for personal power. We discussed that power points need to relate
to their audience, be clear and concise, provide strategy, and answer/ask
questions. These same characteristics
are equally as important when it comes to developing yourself as an individual
seeking growth in personal power.
I feel that I do embody the characteristics discussed in
Table 5.4. (p.290). As a friend and a colleague,
I think it is important to support and share your opinions in an honest
manner. If we are not being honest with
each other, we can never learn and grow from our own mistakes and ways of
thinking. I also feel that I am always
upbeat and positive. I find that when a
lot of people are feeling down or negative about something, staying positive
can help reduce the amount of complaining and negativity that can sometimes
fester in a workplace. I also find that
sometimes people just need someone with a smile to help keep the idea of
positivity within their brains. I feel the one area where I could use some improvement
is with fostering intimacy by being emotionally accessible. I tend to be a more closed off individual
when it comes to emotional accessibility.
I like to have my own space and my own time and get away from the hustle
and bustle of the everyday. I feel I
could be more open and available for others when they need me.
References
Whetten, D. A., & Cameron, K. S. (2011).Developing management
skills (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice
Hall.
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