Why Individuals Need Power

Produce organizational outcomes

Foster inclusion and diversity

Questions About Power

• What is power?

• How to build power for inclusion and diversity?

• What are the basic elements of power?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on PowerEncourage

other points of view

Inclusion requires Power and Connection

“ Power without love is reckless and abusive. Love without power is sentimental and anemic. ”

Power Example: MachiavellianismEncourage

other points of view

• Manipulation and exploitation of others for personal gain

• No regard for others’ well-being

• Person described as:

• Con artist

• Social predator with low moral reasoning

Niccolò Machiavelli

Florentine Diplomat and Author of The Prince

Research on Machiavellian People

• Do not gain more power than others

• Do not attain more lasting power than others

Merging Interpersonal Styles

• Collectively minded• Apolitical• Trustworthy

• Politically active• Selfish• Machiavellian

OR

Merging Interpersonal Styles

Political

CANBE

BOTH

Moral

The Two Axes of Power

Strength

Connection

The Axis of Strength

Individual strength:

• Innovation

• Assertiveness with ideas

• Competency and capability

• Persistence in face of obstacles

• Willingness to gain and use power (be political)

Strength

Connection

The Axis of Connection

Connection to others:

• Developing alliances

• Building relationships

• Pursuing collective interests

• Caring about others’ outcomes

Strength

Connection

Categorization of Interpersonal Styles

Strength

Connection

1

3 4

2

Categorization of Interpersonal Styles

Strength

Connection

Machiavellian

• Strong/assertive

• Pursue own agenda

• Politically active

• Poor connectors

• Not team-oriented

Categorization of Interpersonal Styles

Strength

Connection

Spectator

• Collectively minded

• Invest in group success

• Good with relationships

• Could be more assertive/political

Categorization of Interpersonal Styles

Strength

Connection

Cynic

• Not strong individually

• Don’t connect with others

Where Do You Fit?

Strength

Connection

Machiavellian

Cynic Spectator

Leader

Build personal power to foster

inclusion and diversity