Organizations are known to be coalitions of different individuals or groups which find a common reason to join efforts and support each other. Members actually combine forces to produce common objectives  and attempt to agree on matters by using resources and power as a guide. A system of power can be developed and can accomplish more than an individual force.

Every group must recognize and understand the enduring differences between each member of the group. Differences generally surface in relation to values, beliefs,  information, preferences and perception. Many people are accustomed to believe a certain way based on their culture and upbringing. However, the way a group chooses to work together is vital to the success of the organization.

Unfortunately, many important decisions in a company tend to involve allocations of scarce resources. When determining who gets what, people can become envious of others and many times scarcity of resources will exacerbate political behavior. Moreover, due to scarce resources and enduring differences within an organization, conflict becomes central to the dynamics of power. Consequently, goals and decisions emerge  from bargaining, negotiating, and skillful maneuvering of positions among members of different coalitions.

The attractiveness of power is that it confers the ability to influence decisions. Organizational leaders must know how to effectively determine who receives what  resources, what goals are pursued, and what actions are taken in order to seek successful results. Effective leadership depends on the ability of a person to use power efficiently. Strategic leaders will fail an organization if they are not comfortable with  allowing others to practice the demonstration of quality leadership. Power can be utilized as a tool to enhance one’s ability to exercise the personal satisfaction that it can bring. Yet, the leader who uses power in the service of others typically makes mature  choices that do not compromise his or her ethical position or longevity within an organization.

When performance becomes the basis for determining who accumulates power, the process can still remain political. However, it is also constructive as it benefits  the setting as a whole.

Basically, the political process can be either constructive or destructive.

Many organizations seek influence which increases autonomy. Maintaining cohesion and effectiveness while focusing on individual roles and missions tends to produce greater results in favor of budgets and system productivity.

Strategic power is witnessed in the ability and motivation of members to work long hours while focusing on clear objectives. By focusing on small details which are embedded within an objective is critical when attempting to get things done. The ability and skill in understanding who the key players and what their positions entail is equally important.

Each member must be willing to modify their behavior as needed. 

For the most part, egos and management of emotions is essential when serving as a flexible member that is willing to adapt to varying situations. Every member must also be willing to deal with conflict as it arises. Having the skill and ability to take on  the tough challenges and execute a successful strategy in decision-making is a source of power for any organization.

Workers can add value to a company by providing professional competence. By grasping the nature of work, deciding what needs to be done, and providing guidance for  others is critical when meeting deadlines. One area that can be a problem for many businesses is the failure of employees having the capacity to see problems from multiple perspectives. It is vital for members to understand complex situations and develop a  tolerance for ambiguity.

Interpersonal competence and going beyond simple delegation of tasks is critical for creating and leading a high performing organization. In addition, individual  members must learn how to work as a team and move quickly to confront problems. They must seek peaceful resolutions that will enable them to work together successfully in the future. It is imperative the members of an organization know the dynamics of power and what affects it might have on an individual and/or a group. It takes both the ‘will’ and the ‘skill’ of workers to move forward.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.