Leadership and teamwork concept in word tag cloud.
“. . . recent research suggests that power reduces the ability to understand how others see, think, and feel.” [Tubbs, p. 231] What an extraordinary premise! Our author is citing studies conducted by Galinsky, et. al. and goes on to say that “they also discovered that power can inhibit empathy, the ability to perceive another person’s emotional states.” Talk about a disconnect … this quite possibly could explain the ability of dictators and tyrants to disassociate themselves with the pain they were inflicting … I know, that’s a dark place to go, but associating the experience of power with the inability to relate to others is a rather dark thought, to me.
Some three years later, this same group from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University continued their studies into the effects of power on perception and perspective and gave an even greater platform for investigation, “It may be that reduced perspective-taking is not a conscious decision that happens when power is attained; rather, it might be a psychological state that is an emergent property of increased power [ital. mine]. The researchers went on to say that ,”One of the best means to inspire perspective-taking in the powerful is to make leaders feel more responsible for their subordinates. Closely related to this is the need to make leaders accountable, to keep their more egocentric and destructive psychological forces in check.” [Galinsky, 2009]
Unable to attribute, although i tried, 25,270,000,000 results on Google matching images.
On a lighter note, I wanted to share this graphic. This is an all-time favorite of mine as I have “back in the day” worked for a few bosses just like this!!
This certainly puts the segment in this chapter on the “Positive and Negative Uses of Power” into perspective.
Personally, I was very pleased with the concepts of function theory and that leaders are “made, not born.” [Tubbs, p. 237]
Equally as interesting was the concept of followership. [Tubbs, p. 243] In discussing the styles associated with this, I was delighted to learn that there is an acknowledgement of the role of an “independent” followership. I have found this particular style is very common in groups where its members have all had leadership experience and it’s a joy to participate in such a group; whereas, it has also been my experience that the ability to lead is in direct relation to the interest and commitment of the followers, especially evident in volunteer groups.
And this little animation gives voice to the value and importance of working together in the group (I think i just love these little animations – hope you do, too):
vanDorst, J. The Power Of TeamWork Good TeamWork, Jan 18, 2016. YouTube.
The section on Conformity Pressure describing “antisocial behaviors” listed an item phrased that I had not heard before: withholding effort [Tubbs, p. 253]. Using the phrase “withholding effort” is not only a polite approach, it opens a door for corrective action.
Once again, this textbook exceeds my expectations!
Galinsky, A.,et. al. 2006. Power and perspectives not taken. Psychological Science. Retrieved Oct 31, 2016, from http://faculty.london.edu/einesi/assets/documents/Galinsky_Magee_Inesi_Gruenfeld_2006(1).pdf
Galinsky, A., et. al. Losing Touch: Power diminishes perception and perspective, Nov 1, 2009. Kellogg Insight. Retrieved Oct 31, 2016, from http://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/losing_touch.
Tubbs, S.L. A Systems Approach to Small Group Interaction. McGraw-Hill. New York City. 2012.
vanDorst, J. The Power Of TeamWork Good TeamWork, Jan 18, 2016. YouTube.
Even if it is dark, it makes much sense that those in search of absolute power would make sure to cut their ties from the emotions of others. Trying to care about other people can interfere with the power grabbing force that drives these kind of people.
I also really enjoy your image about bosses wanting you to come to work regardless of what’s happening to you. I remember when I used to work for AMC, I could be sick, my car could be in the shop and my pet could have just died (this is all hypothetical, I own no pets), and they would still want me to somehow get a ride to work and get over all of my issues. And this wasn’t just me, this was how they treated everyone. There was a joke about if your arm fell off, they’d just have you stick a broom in its place and keep working.
It is true that having too much power or authority is not always a good thing. That power could lead to a spiral of negatives that you may not want to deal with in the future, especially in business. While bosses are strict in making sure you come to work in the rain, snow, or shine the employee has the responsibility of making their own ethical decisions and safety regulations at work.
The class has made me consider the role of a leader in regards to their followers and if theres a line between whether or not that can be more than just subordinates, like friends. I think sometimes yeah it can be an issue, with a buddy buddy doing favors kind of situation. But, too I wonder if also there can be situations in which friendships develop and leaders can evolve at the respect of their friends. Or leaders can assume that position, still be a leader, maintain the friendships, and be productive. I have found in my most recent group work in the class, that while most of my fellow members assumed the leadership role in some aspect, that my respect and perhaps my feeling of cohesion has allowed me to look at them as my leader as well as friend, without just thinking of them as these goofy mofos I hang around in my class. Certainly that must be a sweet spot that isnt always easily attained in work situations or even the longevity of it but can you imagine a workplace where it does happen and where it does last.