Understanding Power Dynamics
Power dynamics refer to how power is distributed and exercised within a workplace. This includes formal authority, such as managers and supervisors, as well as informal forms of power that can arise from someone's charisma, expertise, or relationships.
These dynamics can often be subtle and complex. For example, a team member with specialized knowledge might hold significant influence over project decisions despite not having a formal title. Social psychologists , French and Raven, describe the six bases of power and underscore formal titles, also known as positional power, as one of the weakest forms of power (French & Raven ,1959). Influence with a title is often unpredictable and unstable. Keep in mind when promoted to a new role, people are first only influenced by your position, rather than you personally. Take time to consider how the team dynamics are impacted as you take on a new role or position.
Building on informal powers will help you be much more successful in future. For example, recognizing who the key players are in your organization can help you navigate these dynamics more effectively. We all know there is that certain individual at work that has the trust of the group or the charisma , status and popularity that sways the nay-sayers. Make a habit of observing communication patterns and relationships among colleagues; Who is the informal leader in the team, who seems to carry the respect or status of the group ? This awareness will serve you well as you navigate the complex hierarchy in your workplace.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) is essential in mastering power dynamics. EI entails understanding both your own emotions and those of others, allowing you to gauge how feelings impact workplace interactions.
When you have high emotional intelligence, you can read a room well, empathize with coworkers, and respond appropriately in various situations. For instance, if you notice a colleague is particularly stressed, you might choose to offer support rather than push your agenda.
Improving your emotional intelligence can greatly enhance your workplace interactions. Engage in active listening to show that you respect others' viewpoints. Building strong relationships based on empathy and understanding positions you as a vital contributor to your team.
Identifying Strategies to Navigate Power
To effectively navigate power dynamics, consider the following strategies:
1. Build Alliances
Creating strong relationships with coworkers can bolster your position within a team. These alliances can provide support and vital information. For instance, collaborating with a colleague in a different department might provide insights that enhance your own project’s success.
By establishing alliances across various roles, you build social capital that can be valuable when facing challenges.
2. Communicate Effectively
Clear communication is vital in any workplace. Being transparent about your ideas, giving constructive feedback, and actively participating in discussions fosters an open climate. Misunderstandings frequently arise from unclear communication, so aim for clarity to strengthen your team integration.
By honing your communication skills, you increase your credibility and boost your confidence. Remember, effective communication also involves listening. Try to create a feedback-rich environment that encourages open dialogues. This lowers power distance between team members and improves psychological safety and team performance.
3. Understand the Organizational Culture
Each workplace has its unique culture that influences how power dynamics operate. These cultural elements may consist of unwritten rules or specific behaviors that businesses reward. Focusing on understanding this culture helps you align with the workplace's expectations.
Spend time observing interactions among team members, seeking input from trusted colleagues, and participating in informal conversations to grasp the nuances of your organization's culture.
4. Exhibit Confidence
Confidence can significantly enhance your influence within the workplace. When you present your ideas firmly and engage with others confidently, you encourage your colleagues to take you seriously. Those with expert knowledge gain influence and credibility in teams and often need no form of formal position or title. One word of caution, in healthcare expert power can often be overvalued and be associated with over inflated confidence when paired with titles. Having expert knowledge in a subject or as an individual contributor does not translate into a great leader of teams.
No one likes a "know it all". Balancing humility with confidence is an important tightrope for new leaders to navigate, especially as you move from individual contributor to managing others. Leaders aren't great at judging how inclusive they are according to the Zenger and Folkman 2017 Harvard Business Review article . We are all at risk for the the Dunning Kruger effect and sometimes unconscious change in our behavior when we acquire power .
The Importance of Adaptability
Adaptability is key in today's fast-paced workplaces, especially when challenges and opportunities arise. Using situational leadership, you recognize when you should step back and act as a follower and when to act as a leader. Demonstrating humility when you don't have the expert knowledge (another form of personal power) and deferring to a team members talent. Being flexible allows you to adjust your strategies to shifting dynamics, which is essential for maintaining constructive relationships.
Dealing with Conflict
Conflict is often an unavoidable aspect of power dynamics in the workplace. Instead of shying away from conflict, view it as an opportunity for growth. Be curious. Learning to confront disagreements positively can elevate your reputation as a leader and collaborator. This builds what French and Raven called referent power. Referent power is a type of personal power characterized by reverence gained from strong interpersonal skills and the ability to be respected, trusted and admired (French and Raven, 1959)
When addressing conflicts, practice active listening to fully understand others' perspectives. Engage in open dialogue and work towards compromises that cater to everyone's best interests. Navigating disputes gracefully showcases your ability to manage challenging situations effectively. Recognizing that coercive power is weak and unstable in gaining the long term trust of your team. You may get compliance in the short term, but unlikely to get commitment in the future .
Final Thoughts
Mastering the dynamics of power in the workplace is vital for personal and professional development. By grasping how power works, developing emotional intelligence, and implementing practical strategies, you can navigate these dynamics confidently.
As you refine your skills in building alliances, enhancing communication, and adapting to change, you'll be better equipped to handle the complexities of modern work life. When holding positions of authority , remember to remain curious and humble as the title is your weakest form of influence. Spend time cultivating the strong interpersonal relationships , elevating others for their expert knowledge and recognizing when efforts require commitment over compliance. Begin to watch your influence and effectiveness grow in the workplace as you lead in medicine.
References
1.French, J. and Raven, B. (1959). The Bases of Social Power. In Studies in Social Power, D. Cartwright, Ed., pp. 150-167. Ann Arbor, MI: Institute for Social Research.
2.Kovah, M (2020). Leader Influence: A research review of French and Raven's (1959) power dyamics. The Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 13(2). Article 15. Retrieved from https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1312&context=jvbl
3.Folkman, J and Zenger, J. (2017). Leaders Aren't Great at Judging How Inclusive they are. Harvard Business Review. October 2017. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2017/10/leaders-arent-great-at-judging-how-inclusive-they-are
Comments