In this post I am going to write about the Sharing Power. Instead of making the working environment tense with power abuse, those who do not wish to abuse their power should initiate and employ solution oriented behavior rather than abusive power-perpetuating behavior. People in powerful positions or dominant roles should consider the idea that “we are all in this boat together.” This way the powerful and powerless all benefit by success of the class, team, unit or organization, so stop worrying about sharing power and actively seek ways to share it.
There are other ways of sharing power such as:
- Give up some of the more obvious power resources and symbols of authority.
- Teachers can abandon a podium or large desk to sit with the students.
- Bosses can leave their secure confines in the offices to walk among the employees to see how they are doing in person.
- Make power resources accessible to everyone in the group.
Viewing “power” more communally, as opposed to strictly hierarchical is a step in the right direction. Some of the examples I’ve seen involve high-ranking officials keeping an “open door” policy, and actively seeking input from staff as to their thoughts and opinions. High ranking individuals who allow their subordinates to speak freely may learn things and consider new alternatives they never before thought possible. The perspective of an entry-level employee is vastly different from that of a regional manger, yet if the manger still wishes to remain effective, he/she must actively seek input from all sources.
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I agree with your post. I believe that powerful positions or dominant roles should start sharing their power. However, the example "power resources accessible to everyone" might not be a good idea. There would be no point for someone in-charge. For instance, for a project group of 6 people, there must be one facilitator or leader. Otherwise the group will have no directions for completion. There has to be guidance, but just enough to keep the group motivated to work. The more motivation from someone in-charge in a group will have a better outcome. Instead of telling someone what to do, compliments are a good way to motivate someone.
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