Is Power a Personal or a Relationship Attribute?

According to David W. Johnson (2009), power is “The ability to influence and control others while resisting their influence and control.” Based on this definition, in some direct or indirect way, everyone has power. However, some have more power than others or a better ability to influence others. Therefore, I believe power is a personal and relationship attribute. For example, a parent and child relationship shows how both parties have their share of power. The parent influences the child with rules, education and love. A child influences a parent when sick, with his/her actions and so forth.

However, power is also a personal attribute. This does not mean that all people are born with it. I know we (people) are all different in many aspects; some people have more charisma to influence than others. Because of their personality and interest this type of people develop leadership skills. Therefore, these skills can be developed via many means such as money, knowledge, abilities, networking and more.

In my mind, having power should not be one’s ultimate goal. It is more important to know how to use power constructively while keeping a clear understanding and connection of others affected by your decisions.

Sources

Johnson, David. Joining Together Group Theory and Group Skills. 10th. ed. New York, NY: Pearson/Merrill, 2009. 217-261. Print.

Do people that accomplish all of their goals become successful and happy?

While reading the chapter 3 “Establishing Goals Consistent with Your Values and Ethics” from the Interpersonal Skill in Organizations book. I asked myself a couple of questions. Is a person who accomplishes all of his/her goals successful and happy? Ever since I joined the working force, I have dealt with many managers and bosses. They all had their own way and approach to manage people and resources. For the most part, it was evident that they had worked very hard to attain their management position. I imagine they defined their goals to become managers and strived to achieve it. Despite of their achievement, many of them did not come across happy despite of having accomplished their goals. Why is it that the ultimate goal for many of us is to takeover a management position? Once in that position, responsibilities, conflicts and stress are greater. The paycheck might increase but also time spent at work. I think there are two answers: The idea to accomplish certain goal seems great, until it is reached and one realizes that the goal was not as desirable as it seemed. The second answer is that society engraves in our brain that a management position should be our ultimate professional goal. However, having a management position, means that your actions and decisions affect other people’s lives for the worst of the best, which is a big responsibility. Many times managers have to go against their principles and ethics to make decisions. Therefore, it is important to evaluate different options when facing an ethical dilemma. The book mentions that as manger you should put yourself as a member of the community before making decisions.

Sources

Janasz, Suzanne. Interpersonal Skills in Organizations. 3rd. ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2008. 49-70. Print.