Formal and Informal Personal

Power Relationships

B. Jean Haefner, Ph.D.

University of Toledo

University Counseling Center

2801 W. Bancroft Street

Toledo, OH 43606-3390

Power is the capacity to bring about intended consequences in the behavior of others. Leadership and power are separate and may be related. Both suggest the ability to take a role and have am impact on a job. People who have leadership ability know they have power and how to use their power. People who don't have institutional power car be very inspiring. Examples include Hitler, Mussolini, and Martin Luther King. Having a "mission" is part of having power, i.e., an innate sense of self-efficiency and a sense that goals can be accomplished.

Formal power is the power of position, i.e., the President or a secretary. These persons are not necessarily leaders.

Informal power is the cumulative effect of caring and concern for others. These people can make a difference, but are not necessarily leaders.

We would like to think the acquisition of personal power is a cumulative effect of caring for others, however, some persons build personal power for self-serving reasons. Following are some guidelines to enhance a positive outcome in yielding personal power.

Cooperate. Do favors for others whenever you can. Help other people along.
When you are in charge of anything, be certain to spread some appealing pieces of the assignment around rather than keeping them for yourself.
Take time to congratulate persons who win an aware, have an article accepted, or obtain a grant.
Broaden your contacts whenever you can.
Rise to the occasion. Do messy jobs that have to be done. When a job can't be done, and you know it, work closely with others to redefine the task into smaller achievable pieces.
When you find you must take a negative position on an issue remain objective and issue-oriented
Take the lead when you see need. Complement appointed leadership by being concerned with morale of the group.
Be present. This mean' being present at boring meetings and at events which at scheduled at inconvenient hours.
Be open and friendly.
Work as a member of the team.

To return to Proceeding topics, click here.

To return to Convening's homepage, click here.