Week 1 Scenario:
You are a new supervisor (you have been there 2 months) at a large organization that develops technology for the military. You have previous military service experience and just finished your Bachelor's Degree in Management from APUS.
You are doing well so far; your immediate boss is happy with the quotas being met and can see the changes in the behavior of some of the employees around you. However, there are three employees who work for you that are causing some issues. You must constantly remind them of due dates and their work is marginal.
You decided to counsel each of them in private of course. During the counseling sessions, you found that all three employees say that you think you're still in the military and expect too much too soon.
One said that you use positional power all the time, another said that they felt you are not receptive to their ideas on how to make the work environment more fun. The last one told you that should have stayed in the military since you like to order everyone around!
A. How will you handle this situation?
B. What is the difference between positional power and personal power? (in your own words)
C. Give an example, from your personal life, of situations where you have used (or had used on you) both positional and personal power.
Guide On Rating System
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A. To handle this situation, I will first evaluate whether there is any truth to the employees' claims. I will reflect on my leadership style and assess whether I have unintentionally been operating with a military mindset, expecting too much or using positional power excessively. If I find any validity in their feedback, I will make adjustments to my approach.
To address the employee who feels I use positional power all the time, I will emphasize the importance of collaboration and creating a supportive work environment. I will assure them that I value their opinions and will actively seek their input moving forward. Additionally, I will encourage open communication and establish regular one-on-one meetings to address any concerns they may have.
For the employee who mentioned the lack of receptiveness to their ideas on making the work environment more fun, I will express openness to their suggestions and emphasize the importance of employee morale. I will encourage them to share their ideas and actively involve them in decision-making processes that can help make the workplace more enjoyable.
When addressing the employee who suggested I should have stayed in the military, I will have an open and honest conversation about their concerns. I will explain that my intention is not to simply order everyone around but rather to ensure tasks are completed efficiently in a military-like manner. I will express my willingness to adapt my leadership style if it is perceived as overly authoritarian and work with them to find a balance between structure and autonomy.
B. Positonal power and personal power are two different sources of influence in a leadership role.
Positional power is derived from one's formal position or authority within an organization. It is the power that comes with the title or position held by an individual. This power is based on the hierarchical structure of the organization and enables leaders to make decisions and allocate resources based on their position's authority.
On the other hand, personal power is derived from an individual's personal characteristics, traits, and interpersonal relationships. It is the power that individuals possess based on their expertise, credibility, and ability to build relationships and influence others. Personal power is earned and often based on trust and respect.
C. In my personal life, I have experienced both positional and personal power.
An example of positional power is when I served as a squad leader during my military service. As a squad leader, I had the authority to assign tasks, set deadlines, and make decisions that impacted the squad's operations. My positional power was derived from my assigned rank and role within the hierarchy.
An example of personal power is when I served as the captain of a sports team. Despite not having any formal authority, my personal power came from my ability to inspire and motivate my teammates. Through my strong work ethic, positive attitude, and ability to effectively communicate, I was able to influence and lead the team to success. This personal power was built on trust, respect, and my ability to empower others.
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