All leaders use power and engage in political behavior. There is a balancing act between gaining power and influence, playing organizational politics, networking, and behaving ethically. Leaders use power and influence to get things done. Political skills are essential when leading people with diverse agendas and stakes. Leaders that are influential have the ability to affect the thoughts, behavior, or feelings of others. This is why it is so critical that they behave ethically and avoid using others for self-gain or unethical reasons.
- Do you think that most managers use power and politics positively in their organizations?
- What type of power do you think would be influential in the workplace? If you are currently employed, what type of power do you possess and is it influential?
- Are you comfortable engaging in organizational politics? What are the benefits of doing so?
- What advice would you give a manager on how to maintain one's ethics when influencing others?