RAW POWER

Posted on August 18, 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

USEFUL FORMS OF POWER:

William E. Smith, PhD developed a useful framework for organizational change by utilizing three complementary forms of “power” (using the term “power” from a positive perspective): 1) Appreciative Power; 2) Influence Power; and, 3) Control Power.

To keep things less theoretical, these can be respectively renamed as: “Get the Big Picture” Power; “Get-on-Board” Power, and “Get It Done” Power.

1) “Get the Big Picture” This form of power is often exercised by visionaries and effective executive leaders as they develop and communicate a vision for the future that inspires people to take action. “Get-the-Big-Picture” power does not get things done, but it does develop the framework(s) by which people discover what they should be doing.

2) “Get-on-Board” Power is the form of power that is generated through human interaction and persuasion/influence. This form of power is exercised by people who are excited by what they are doing, and who want others to come alongside them for the journey – join them in the pursuit of a worthy dream or goal. Hence, “Get-on-Board” power is most useful when special effort needs to be made to help people get excited, form effective and energized teams, and/or help people passionately join a cause.

3) Finally, “Get-It-Done” Power is the power involves having the authority to actually direct people and resources. “Get-It-Done” power is the dirt-practical, rubber-meets-the-road power that enables all good dreams to be realized.

** All three uses of “power” need to be wisely leveraged at various times in the life of a leader – and of a leadership team.