understanding power dynamics at work
DESCRIPTION
Are you ever stuck in conflicts that seem unresolvable? Do you sometimes wonder about the cause of a conflict, but can’t put your finger on it? Do you ever avoid particular people because the interactions are unpleasant? In most work environments, power dynamics are an issue we have to manage. Sometimes these dynamics are unseen and unspoken. At their best, power dynamics can be used to build productive relationships, influence others in positive ways, and interact with political savvy. At their worst, power dynamics can result in limited, black and white thinking, bullying and ultimatums in the workplace.TRANSCRIPT
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Understanding Power Dynamics at Work
Claudette Rowley
September 12, 2012
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Today’s Speaker
Claudette Rowley Coach, Consultant, Author
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P R E S E N T E D B Y C L A U D E T T E R O W L E Y
F O R N O N P R O F I T W E B I N A R S
S E P T E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 2
1 - 2 P M E T
Understanding Power Dynamics at Work
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Key Take Aways
Understand power dynamics – how do we define them and how do we decipher them?
Learn how to effectively deal with common power dynamics at work.
Recognize your role in positive and negative power dynamics and how to shift that role if needed.
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How Do We Define Power?
1. Designated power (power given by your position)*
2. Distributive power (either/or power)
3. Integrative power (both/and power)
*Definitions from Interpersonal Conflict by Wilmot & Hocker
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Designated Power
Power results from your position within an organization or relationship.
Power is conferred by the position you hold.
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Distributive Power
Results from your ability to achieve your objective over the resistance of another.
“I dominate you or you dominate me.”
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Integrative Power
Power with the other – both/and power.
Joining forces with someone else to achieve mutual goals -- > creating a “win-win” situation.
Both parties achieve results.
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Power Dynamics
The dynamics of power in and of themselves are neutrally charged.
How we use power depends on intent, self-awareness and skill.
Constructive use of power solves problems, enhances relationships, and balances power.
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Interpersonal Power
“Interpersonal power is the ability to influence a relational partner in any context because you control, or at least the partner perceives that you control, resources that the partner needs, values, desires or fears. Interpersonal power also includes the ability to resist the influence attempts of a partner.”
From Mike Monsour, University of Colorado.
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What Gives Us Power?
Control of resources
Interpersonal relationships
Communication skills
Subject matter expertise
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Common Power Dynamics
Assumptions about power
Power is hard to assess from outside a relationship.
It’s challenging to assess who has the most power since two people may balance power in ways unique or specific to them.
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Perceptions of Power
Power can be used in ways that look weak on the surface:
- Ghandi or Martin Luther King
- Employee is trying but failing and someone does task
- Passive-aggressive behavior
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Common Passive-Aggressive Behaviors
Bach & Goldman’s list of passive-aggressive behaviors:
Forgetting appointments, promises or agreements
Slipping and saying unkind things, then apologizing
Acting out nonverbally, such as slamming doors, but denying anything is wrong
Evading situations so others are inconvenienced
Getting confused, tearful, sarcastic or helpless when certain topics come up
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Denying Power Use
Some people are so uncomfortable with power they may deny that they use power and influence.
- Deny that he or she is communicating (“It’s the pressure I’m under” or “I was really stressed. I’m not responsible for what I said.”)
- Deny that a message was communicated (“I didn’t say that”.)
- Deny the situation in which it was communicated.
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Power Imbalances
High power
Low power
Bullying
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High Power
Is having more power than others in a way that is unbalanced.
People who hold high power may not be pleased with it.
It can be challenging to maintain one’s self integrity.
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High Power
Higher power people MAY develop altered views of themselves:
May pursue power as an end.
May receive false performance feedback designed to protect power.
May devalue those who are less powerful.
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Low Power
Is having less power in a way that is unbalanced.
May feel strong emotion or helpless lethargy.
Breeds hopelessness, frustration or apathy.
May believe they can’t shift, change or influence their positions – this may or may not be true.
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Bullying
This information is based on the work of Catherine Mattice of Civility Partners LLC.
Mattice is the author of the book BACK OFF! Your Guide to Ending Bullying at Work.
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Definition of Bullying
Repeated, perpetual and ongoing.
Harms target of bullying and witnesses to it.
Perceived power imbalance.
Most power imbalances do NOT lead to bullying.
It has enormous costs:
Human costs
Communication costs
Not meeting org goals
Hurts the org bottom line
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Examples of Bullying in the Workplace
Aggressive communication
Humiliation
Manipulation of work
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What’s Not Bullying?
Conflict between two people or on a team
Harassment or discrimination
Having a boss who challenges you
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How to Eliminate Bullying in the Workplace
Mattice suggests a three-pronged approach:
Leadership – Be an example, hold all employees accountable for respectful behavior, reward positive behavior
Policy – Corporate policy, handling grievances
Culture – provide anonymous reporting, training, performance management
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How to Balance Power or to be Empowered
Wilmer & Hocker describe these balancing “acts”:
1. Conversation
2. Restraint
3. Calm persistence
4. Stay actively engaged
5. Empowerment
6. Frame the conversation
7. Phrases to use to balance power
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Conversation
Speak in clear, positive tone. Be direct and respectful. Show compassion for others’ perspective.
Listen and ask open-ended questions.
Reflect feelings.
Clarify and summarize what you have heard.
Question when needed.
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Restraint
The higher power party uses restraint and values the partnership or group over their individual rights to exercise their power.
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Calm Persistence
People with lower power can gain equal power through calm persistence.
Calm, careful analysis draws attention to a problem.
Persuasive skills are important.
Must be judged as credible, effective and practical.
Emotions charged neutral.
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Stay Actively Engaged
Make clear what’s ones beliefs, values and priorities are, and keep behavior congruent with these.
Stay emotionally connected to significant others even when things get intense.
State differences, and allow others to do the same.
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Empowerment
People with higher power can help empower others:
- Power can be balanced with more training, decision making power or more freedom.
- Third parties are invested with power to intervene on behalf of less powerful people (sexual harassment laws, child abuse laws).
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Phrases to Use Balance Power
Validating or acknowledging another
Using “I” statements
Asking the other what they need
Letting the other person know what they would gain from helping you
Announcing any intended escalation and looking for another way.
Expressing optimism
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More Strategies
Slow the process.
Show concern for the relationship.
Describe what the situation or what you are experiencing.
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What’s Your Role in the Power Dance?
Most of us have a common or habitual way that we use power. This may be different at work than at home.
Let’s review the three definitions of power:
1. Designated power (power given by your position)
2. Distributive power (either/or power)
3. Integrative power (both/and power)
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What’s Your Role in the Power Dance?
Assess how much power you believe you have in your organization. High? Low? Balanced? Empowered?
Is it situation specific?
What are your one or two favorite (or habitual) ways of engaging in power dynamics?
How would it benefit you or others to shift? Under what circumstances could you make a change?
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