Influence, Power and Status

All people have (some) power, although it is not always easy to recognize it. Not only the formal position we occupy in a system gives power (formal, visible). Social characteristics (gender, age, economic level, physical appearance...), psychological (intelligence, ease of speech, emotional stability...), structural (seniority, position...) and spiritual (centeredness, integrity, openness. ..) also give power (informal, invisible, status) and contribute to the unequal distribution of power present in any team or organization. Being aware of the power and status we have is essential to avoid abuse and improve our relationships, avoiding blockages in the flow of information and decision making.

Goals

• Gain awareness of how (informal) power is distributed in a group or team.
• Learn to use it to improve relationships, avoid abuse, build trust and be more effective.

Contents

• Power dynamics in human systems.
• Power as control. Forms of control in human organizations.
• The effects of power on people.
• Status theory. Deserved and attributed.
• Abuses of power.