Power and Influence Discussion

1 Power and Influence Discussion The relationship between power and influence is symbiotic, power gives one influence, and influence gives one power. The definition of power itself cannot be complete without involving power. For one to have power, they must possess the potential to influence. Power can also be said to be influenced because to measure power; one has to look at their ability to get things done. Most importantly, power and influence exist in various forms.

My Sources of Personal Power From my experience, the following are my sources of power: -

Situational factors I have in the past enjoyed power in specific areas of my profession when in a situation

that requires the expertise I possess, but those around me have none.

Buy this excellently written paper or order a fresh one from ace-myhomework.com

2 For instance, understanding power politics, explaining and forecasting future political trends gave me some authority over my peers in the area (Corry, 2019). I could, with authority, give my opinion on issues of power and politics. Situational factors appeal to the need factor.

One should be the best positioned to exercise power to gain influence in particular situations.

-

Given I have served as a leader at different levels more than once because I was appointed to be

one. This is common in group discussions and working in teams to accomplish tasks. In a group task, I was once picked up to lead members. As the leader, I had to give direction on many issues and chair or meetings (Uhl-Bien et al., 2020). In so doing, I exercise the power bestowed upon me to influence their decisions. For instance, I could assign duties to the group members, give timelines on when to complete specific assignments, and present them to the group.

- Election The election process can also earn a person power and influence. I have once been elected to represent my class as a campaign that some convince a simple majority to vote for me against my competitor. Election gives legitimate power to the leader. As an elected leader, I served with full authority that comes with winning the position. In this respect, an election led to voters assigning me the power to lead them.

-

Dependence One of the sources of power that I have experienced before is creating dependence. For

instance, some people depend on me for some financial favors and attention. The dependence allows me to exercise some influence over their decisions (Male, 2019). I can lead them to some recreational events, determine when to go out for the said event, and come back because I will be

3 footing the bills. Dependence exists in various forms; hence one can explore it to lead and influence another person or persons (Uhl-Bien et al., 2020).

One of the key strategies that I have devised to develop my leadership and spheres of influence is broadening my power base. As a leader, I have to deepen my influence and power to do so. A leader is an influence, hence the need to enhance my power. I use reward and legitimate powers to advance my leadership (Maesse, 2021). Rewarding the best performing or the loyal with positive vibes and gifts endears me to them, hence cementing my leadership role. The best performers are recognized and even given promotions to encourage others to do the same.

4 References Corry, R. (2019). Power and influence: The metaphysics of reductive explanation. Oxford University Press.

Maesse, J. (2021). Power and influence of economists: Contributions to the social studies of economics. Routledge.

Male, A. (2019). Power and influence of illustration: Achieving impact and lasting significance through visual communication. AVA ACADEMIA. Uhl-Bien, M., Piccolo, R. F., & Schermerhorn, J. R., Jr. (2020). Organizational behavior (2nd Ed.). Wiley.