Power is an important tool. Getting the power equation right is tricky; it is the toughest with a leader’s immediate team. Leaders have difficulty exercising power within their team due to the close interpersonal dynamics and face-to-face encounters with other emotional human beings. From your experience with or observation of leaders, identify a leader who demonstrated effective use of power within the team. Why do you believe the leader demonstrated effective use of power? Identify a leader who did not demonstrate effective use of power within the team. Why do you believe the leader did not demonstrate effective use of power? Analyze the characteristics of each leader’s behavior. What were the behaviors that were effective or ineffective? Make sure to analyze how developmentally minded the leader appeared to be as he or she interacted with and led the team. What leadership lessons can you learn?
It is important for a leader to use power clearly and appropriately to gather cooperation for and commitment to any decision, building cohesiveness within the team. There are three fundamental sources of power: coercive, utilitarian, and normative. Coercive power uses punishment to force cooperation and commitment. Utilitarian power uses incentives. Normative power uses value alignment. Which source of power is most frequently utilized in your organization? How would you rank the three sources of power in terms of their frequency of use within your organization? Which source of power is most appealing to you from the perspectives of both a leader and a follower? What leadership lessons can you learn.
Teamwork requires trust among team members so that (a) all members can depend on each other, (b) all members contribute their share of the work, (c) the team distributes resources fairly, and (d) the team includes and informs everyone through open and honest communication. High-performing teams consciously establish and maintain an environment of trust. Trust becomes a felt presence, an accepted norm, and a foundation for all that the team does.Think about all the teams you have been in. Select the team that was characterized by an environment of trust. Describe the team and what it did. How was the environment of trust established? How did you know an environment of trust was present? What did you see, hear, and experience? What were the benefits of the environment of trust for the team members, their work, and the organization? What did you learn from this team that might help your current or future teams build a stronger environment of trust?
Full Answer Section
- Using Utilitarian Power Strategically: They offered incentives and rewards to motivate team members and encourage high performance. However, they did not rely solely on extrinsic rewards and emphasized the intrinsic value of the work.
- Avoiding Coercive Power: They refrained from using punishment or threats to force compliance. Instead, they focused on building a positive and supportive team culture.
Ineffective Use of Power
Leader: [Name of Leader]
Organization: [Organization Name]
[Name of Leader] struggled to use power effectively within their team due to:
- Overreliance on Coercive Power: They often used threats and punishment to motivate team members, which created a negative and fear-based work environment.
- Lack of Trust: Team members did not trust [Name of Leader] to treat them fairly or to have their best interests at heart. This led to low morale, decreased productivity, and increased conflict.
- Poor Communication: [Name of Leader] failed to communicate effectively with team members, leading to misunderstandings and confusion.
Leadership Lessons
- The Importance of Trust: Building trust is essential for effective leadership. It creates a positive and supportive work environment where team members feel valued and motivated.
- The Power of Empowerment: Empowering team members by giving them autonomy and responsibility can lead to higher levels of engagement and performance.
- The Dangers of Coercive Power: Relying too heavily on coercive power can create a negative and fear-based culture that can damage morale and productivity.
Team Trust
I have been a part of several teams throughout my career, and one that stands out in terms of trust was a project team I worked on at [Previous Organization].
Characteristics of the Team:
- Shared Goals: We had a clear and shared vision for the project, which helped to create a sense of unity and purpose.
- Open Communication: Team members felt comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or criticism.
- Mutual Respect: We treated each other with respect and valued each other's contributions.
- Shared Responsibility: Everyone on the team felt accountable for the project's success.
Establishing Trust:
Trust was established through a combination of factors, including:
- Building relationships: We took the time to get to know each other and build rapport.
- Open communication: We encouraged open and honest communication, even when discussing difficult topics.
- Demonstrating reliability: We consistently followed through on our commitments and delivered on our promises.
- Supporting each other: We were supportive of each other's successes and helped each other through challenges.
Benefits of Trust:
The environment of trust fostered a positive and productive work environment. Team members were more motivated, engaged, and committed to the project. We were able to work effectively together, resolve conflicts constructively, and achieve our goals.
Lessons Learned:
Building trust takes time and effort, but it is essential for effective teamwork. By creating a safe and supportive environment, encouraging open communication, and demonstrating reliability, leaders can foster trust and create high-performing teams
Sample Answer
Power, Trust, and Team Dynamics
Effective Use of Power: A Case Study
Leader: [Name of Leader]
Organization: [Organization Name]
[Name of Leader] demonstrated effective use of power within their team by:
- Leveraging Normative Power: They built strong relationships with team members based on shared values and a commitment to the team's goals. This created a sense of trust and loyalty among team members.