POWER POISIONING

POWER POISIONING

 

According to author Bob Sutton (writer of the book Good Boss, Bad Boss: How To Be The Best And Learn From The Worst), when someone is placed in a position of power, three (3) things can happen to cause power poisoning:

1. The individual focuses on their own needs and concerns;
2. The individual focuses little attention on the needs of others; and
3. The individual often acts like the rules don't apply to them.

Evidence is also mounting, says Sutton that the more successful a manager is, the more likely they are to break the rules.

Power Poisoning at work refers to a behavioural change observed again and again once a person rises to a position of power.  Occuring independently of that individual's personality, it happens.  And when it does, included are people previously considered "nice" and "caring."  There are at least these three (3) behavioural change:

1. They become selfish and self-absorbed.
2. They start seeing others as a pure means to an end.
3. They tend to act like the rules don't apply to them.

Good Boss, Bad Boss presents evidence that we humans are often blind to our weaknesses.  This unfortunate conclusion is fuelled by research showing that when people secure just a little power over others, they are prone to dehumanize them--treat them in more distant, cold, and rational ways--as means to an end, not as feeling and sensitive human beings.

Good Boss, Bad Boss proposes numerous antidotes. Among the most effective is to give the people you lead the permission and responsibility to tell you when you are out of touch or full of yourself--and to develop mentors and friends who will tell you the ugly truth as well.

Quotes from Robert Sutton:

1.     Saying smart things and giving smart answers are important. Learning to listen to others and to ask smart questions is more important.

2.     Strive for simplicity and competence, but embrace the confusion and messiness along the way.

References

1.         ecorner.stanford.edu/

2.         www.fastcompany.com

3.         http://bobsutton.typepad.com/

4.         http://architects.dzone.com/articles/power-poisoning-tales-dark

Note: Intent to read the whole book and share it in Reading Room....