Power or Influence?
I recently read a great book written by the world famous sprinter Michael Johnson called ‘Gold Rush’. After I read it, it did become apparent that many top athletes have an influential figure in their lives who play a role in their achievements. That got me thinking about the concept of power and influence and success within an organisational context, and also to what extent such roles can be played out within an organisational setting.
Over the years, and throughout my career journey, I have observed within various organisations, public and private, and in the community key influential people . Such people have amassed great amounts of power and influence. Moreover studies have argued that great leaders can hold both power and influence, and in some cases when holding power have been unable to exert influence.
We can see this borne out currently in the UK with the power of Unions and on an international level, the 2014 Nobel Peace prize winner and very influential Mala Yousafzai, to highlight two examples of power and influence.
On a more personal level, I have worked very closely with some very influential people throughout my varied career who have been known as ‘hard to reach’, when actually such individuals have always been there! In today’s world, the business angle is so important and the question should be asked, can engaging with various influential people inside an organisation and outside an organisation, enable a business to improve their bottom line, return on investment, better health outcomes or an inclusive and fair workplace?
Can a person/s have both power and influence? Do you need to be a Board member or a community leader looking in?
The great organisational development book ‘Essential Skills for Influencing in Healthcare’ Price and Scowcroft (2012), identifies the various types of influence one can have, and notes that an understanding of the ‘big picture’, an eye for detail and in some cases treating a team/department like an extended family could be deemed as influential by others. Another key skill identified was self awareness.
The Author Steven Coveys did a study to understand power and interviewed 54,000 people asking the question – “what makes an effective leader?” (The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness) Some very interesting outcomes…..
Paradoxically, in the sporting world we can see that failure to grasp power and influence in a management role, or being a team player with a specific role can have disastrous consequences.
So in summary:
- How would you define power?
- What type of power and influence produces the most effective leader?
- Which is more important – power or influence?
- Does a leader need either?
- Can a group influence from the outside looking in?
Beverley Powell is a Leadership Associate: Organisational development, Inclusion, Coach and Mentor, UK certified Life Coach and Educator, and nationally recognised by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) 2014 as a BME Pioneer for her work around strategic inclusion within the National Health Service (NHS). You can see more about Beverley’s work on her website and you can also follow her on Twitter – @UKCoachLeader
Beverley hosts a region wide networking event for a group of NHS staff. Watch RADAR Networking for Success: Overview
