Probably because Power is the least thing I would consider as priority in my personal - and professional life (Am I on the right course?) it was not a subject that got me excited in class although it brought me different thoughts and no conclusion related to the subject. What motivates people? How power influence ourselves and others? Am I in the right place? Those were the questions I had in mind during the whole class.
Power, for me, is the use of our position, resources and credibility to achieve goals, to impact society or at minimum our community in a positive matter. I am faaaaar behind of being a powerful person: One because I didn't reach much in terms of my career goals, second because I have a very tough time to use the little influence I have to achieve my professional goals; third, as much as I have impacted the communities I am part of, I am far away to change society; and finally because power is not something that drives me.
Nonetheless, I believe I am somewhat influential. I have a little "magic" that put smile on people's face and make the toughest people soften. I am passionate and move mountains for social causes and I am able to get the team engaged and manage any project successfully. I am also good empowering people, a skill that enable a good leader to thrive. I try to identify passions, aspirations and strenghts that my team have and let them do what they do better towards our common goal. Again, internally and dealing with clients or vendor it is all about collaboration reaching common goals.
The second statement followed by a couple of quesions put a big question mark in my mind "... and many of you will be graduating in a couple of months...what kind of power do you feel ready to exert and what kinds of power would you like to cultivate? How are going you to meet these power goals?" Those questions completely diverged me from the topic "power" and put my whole life and career into perspective. I am ready to use the knowledge I have gained from the MBA associated with my persuasion and personality to succeed as a leader but maybe I didn't get this "power" topic, or... it is still not part of my goals. It might come to me as a gradual consequence of my actions and improvements but it is not something I am searching for.
Maybe I am lost in time, maybe I am still part of a "candyland world" or maybe I do not have any power goals. If I am happy or sad with that... I simply don't know.
Gui,
ReplyDeleteI think that you may be thinking about power in a negative way. Think of power like charisma, which you have plenty of. You are able to get people chatting and make them feel welcome. This is part of using power in the right manner. Your enthusiasm is also infectious, which I know has motivated me to get things done in the past.
You have a good gift and as long as you stick to your values, I can't see you going wrong!
Gui-
ReplyDeleteYou do have considerable charisma - people like you and they will help you. So, you have referent power. Having the power to influence the world is not a bad thing - you can use that power to make things better for other. You don't want power for power's sake, but you do want things to turn out well for everyone - and influence helps you do that.
That's true... Thank you guys
ReplyDelete