The Art of Influence: How to Gain and Maintain Power in the Workplace
Maximize your workplace success with power and influence. Learn how to build, use and maintain your power over time to achieve your career goals
Power is an often misunderstood and underestimated concept in the workplace. It can be defined as the ability to influence or control others, resources, or outcomes. In a professional setting, having power can mean the difference between success and failure, and those who possess it can shape the direction of their careers and organizations.
Accumulating Power
Power cannot be obtained overnight; rather, it is earned over time through skills, experience, and relationships. Here are some tips for accumulating power in the workplace:
Develop expertise - Become an expert in your field by learning everything about your industry, job function, and company. This will allow you to establish yourself as a go-to person for certain tasks or issues, which can increase your influence.
Build relationships - Establish strong relationships with coworkers, superiors, and stakeholders. This includes those in your immediate team or department and those in other areas of the organization. Building these relationships can give you access to information and opportunities others may not have.
Deliver results - Show that you can deliver results that positively impact the organization. This can include meeting or exceeding performance metrics, saving money, or improving processes. Consistently delivering results can help you build a reputation as a valuable asset to the company.
Personal Example: As a young analyst in a consulting firm, I quickly realized that becoming an expert in a specific area would give me an edge in a highly competitive industry. I focused on building my skills and knowledge in supply chain management, which allowed me to establish myself as a subject matter expert and helped me win new clients and projects.
Ilro Lee
Using Power
Once you have accumulated power, the next step is to use it effectively. Here are some tips for using power in the workplace:
Be assertive, not aggressive - Use your power to advocate for yourself and others, but be careful not to come across as aggressive or confrontational. This can alienate others and undermine your influence.
Listen actively - Use your power to listen to others and understand their perspectives. This can help you build stronger relationships and increase your ability to influence others.
Communicate clearly - Use your power to communicate clearly and effectively. This includes not only what you say but also how you say it. Use language that is inclusive and respectful of others.
Example: As a team leader, I had to use my power to advocate for my team and ensure they had the resources and support they needed to succeed. However, I also had to listen actively to their concerns and communicate clearly with both them and upper management to achieve our goals.
Ilro Lee
Maintaining Power
Maintaining power can be just as challenging as accumulating it. Here are some tips for maintaining power over time:
Keep learning - Continue to develop your skills and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. Attend conferences, read industry publications, and seek out opportunities for professional development.
Stay visible - Maintain a strong presence within your organization by networking, speaking up in meetings, and sharing your expertise with others. This can help ensure that your contributions are recognized and valued.
Build a support network - Surround yourself with people who can help you maintain your power, including mentors, sponsors, and colleagues who share your values and goals.
Personal Example: As I advanced in my career, maintaining my power required a constant focus on professional development and visibility. I joined professional organizations, volunteered for leadership roles, and sought out mentors who could help me navigate leadership challenges.
Ilro Lee
Misusing Power
While having power can be positive, it is also important to be aware of the risks of misusing it. Here are some examples of what can go wrong when power is misused:
Abusing authority - Using your power to bully, intimidate, or undermine others can damage morale and productivity. It can also lead to legal or ethical violations, seriously affecting your career and the organization.
Favoritism - Playing favorites can create an unfair and biased workplace, leading to resentment and low morale among employees. This can undermine your credibility and influence within the organization.
Ignoring feedback - Failing to listen to feedback and suggestions from colleagues can lead to missed opportunities and poor decision-making. It can also make it challenging to maintain relationships and influence over time.
Personal Example: I once worked for a manager who regularly abused his power by belittling and intimidating his subordinates. This created a toxic workplace environment, leading to high turnover and low morale. His behavior eventually led to his dismissal, reminding him of the importance of using power responsibly.
Conclusion
Power and influence are critical components of success in the workplace and can be earned through a combination of skills, experience, and relationships. However, it is important to use power responsibly and to maintain it over time by continuing to learn, staying visible, and building a support network. Doing so can shape the direction of your career and organization while avoiding the pitfalls of misusing power.
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