A511.3.3.RB - Power and Influence

Power exists in every position of an organization (Kotter, 1985). In order to influence people in the workforce and use their power, one should understand the level of their capabilities in order to properly use power and influence. In my personal life, I utilize multiple forms of power, such as legitimate, reward, coercive and expert power (Yukl, 2013) to influence my children. In what capacity, do I use my power to lead and influence change in their lives and how is this power related to my ability to lead those I have power over, and does my power and influence shift and change based on circumstance?

As a parent, I utilize a large amount of legitimate power over my children because I have full authority of their lives until they leave home. In our household, my children see my husband and myself as the top people, regardless of what others, such as grandparents and other family members say, the final authority and answer will result from us as the parents.  In addition to legitimate power, I also have the power to reward, at any given time I can use this to influence my children to respond appropriately to responsibilities. My children understand that I can give or take away from their rewards based on their actions and responses to my authority; as a result, Yukl (2013) states that the follower must have the perception and faith I will carry out the promise of the reward. If I fail to follow through with my promise, my power and influence over my children will diminish. Yukl (2013) describes coercive power as authority over punishment; as a parent, I must have coercive power, on a small scale, in order to carry out punishment, correct behaviors, and redirect my children to make better decisions. Expert power with children is important because they look to adults for guidance and knowledge when they have questions about life, personal problems, and friends. My children seek out information, ask questions about life, and turn to me to guide them in the right direction, however;  if I do not have an answer, it is important to do research to provide the best possible answer. I do my best to have positive power and influence in my children’s lives because children are easily influenced at a young age and power coming from the wrong source may lead to consequences.

My ability to lead my children and influence them directly reflects my level of power and influence over them. As a mother, I have failed multiple times with my use of power, during stressful moments I have utilized too much power under the circumstance. However, based on the results and failures. Yulk (2013) explains that power is not static, and will change over time due to conditions and actions of individuals. If I do not correct my actions, my ability to use personal power to influence change with my children will fail (Yukl, 2013).

      Overall, my power and influence as a parent will continue to change, shift, and redirect as my children grow-up. If I use my power and influence when they are small to guide my children and discipline when necessary, as they grow older, their ability to make decisions should reflect their upbringing. As a mother, I will have direct influence and power over my children until they leave home and begin their own lives.

      Overall, I have the greatest authority to use various forms of power and influence over my children. My power and influence will shift based on circumstance, time, and individuals involved.

  

Reference

 Kotter, J.P. (1985), Power and Influence: Beyond Formal Authority, The Free Press, New York, NY.4

Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations (Eighth ed.). Upper Saddle River, Nj: Pearson Education.