Expressions of Power

Power is an interesting concept. We chase it...we are fearful of it...we are quick to identify abuses of it...

...and then we chase it some more.

What's the Real Story
There is an allure to success, and the trappings that come along with it. Titles, money, respect, authority. Hmmm...authority. That component of power that offers the ability to guide others in the way you want them to go. 

That path can be something wonderful...creating a culture that brings the great minds of your team together to push through to new levels of success. A culture whereby everyone feels connected to the vision. 

Damn, that can be exciting.

Power for Power's Sake
There is, of course, a dark side to power. In times of war power is projected in the most overwhelming ways possible to demoralize the enemy. Perhaps the same can be said for those leaders who are solely focused on power as a personal issue.

They are the ones that feel threatened in every meeting. They are quick to challenge others so as to redirect the focus away from their shortcomings. They see an inclusive leadership approach as somehow diminishing their own status.

We've all seen them. Maybe you've been one at some point in your career?
We've all seen their behavior as well: the body language, the words they choose, the tone of their electronic messages.

How About You
Who do you know in your company that views power in such a disruptive way? How can you help them? As we look to the start of a new year, it might be time for you to pull them aside, provide the thoughtful coaching they need, and help them start 2020 in a very different way.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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"Manti Armstrong, SPHR"

All in the name of performance.

The abuse of power, authority, influence, decision-making, manipulation and the law. Who goes to such extremes to chase an unattainable goal of being a top performer in their field? What kind of professional can end careers and tweak the interpretation of the law so things work out just the way they want them to? Who has this crazy ability in our organizations?

Oh...that's right...human resources does.

Power

One of the realities of my role is that I've never quite come to grips with the authority I have as a human resources leader. Employees call me "sir" (which I usually respond with "please call me Jay.")

Others who I don't recognize thank me for changes to our benefit plans that have helped their families.

Sometimes people just turn and watch as I walk past as if I was the good behavior police wandering through their department.

Fortunately the negative examples are the exceptions not the rule. I've worked hard to be as personable and real as I can be so our team members will feel comfortable asking me questions, challenging me on issues, or sometimes just talking hockey.

I work hard, just like you do...ultimately we do it all in the name of performance.

Getting Caught Up In Yourself

Let's face it, human resources roles are relatively high profile in many organizations. Sometimes that is a good thing (hopefully!); but candidly sometimes we are stuck with the "hatchet" moniker that can be difficult to distance ourselves from.

We are forced to strike a balance between having a lot of authority and influence, while simultaneously ensuring we do not abuse that power.

Balance can be tough, particularly if we justify our behavior all in the name of performance.

How About You

Typically the HR leadership team doesn't head down the path of performance enhancing drugs, fake girlfriends, malicious lawsuits, chasing fame, notoriety, money and the Heisman Trophy all while hurting friends, colleagues, teammates and the public at large along the way.

But hey...if it's done all in the name of performance...

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



photo credit photo credit

Good Ol’ Boys Can Not Lead. Ever.

I can't stand the term good ol' boy. I don't mean the rarely used positive reference to being a southern gentleman; I'm talking about the negative, often exclusive connotation. Think white guys with chauvinist and racist tendencies. When I hear good ol' boys and leadership in the same sentence it makes me want to hurl.

I know what you’re thinking, there is no leadership when the management team is a bunch of good ol' boys, right?

That's right.

Power Does Not Equal Leadership

If you find yourself in an organization that is run by good ol' boys you do have to accept the fact that they hold power, at least for the present time, which can make life feel uncomfortable all the way up to feeling miserable. That power does not equal leadership though. Their behavior is often an abuse of that power, nothing more.

Leadership is About All People

As I continue to learn and grow as a leader (yes, that's supposed to be a lifelong process), I recognize now more than ever how much I appreciate people who are willing to challenge old ideas, push the envelope of what's acceptable, and who are willing to take risks. Usually that does not mean you have a group of like-minded conflict-averse people sitting around a conference room table promulgating the same old spiel.

It means you have created a corporate culture that fosters those challenging behaviors...a culture that fosters diversity as a value, not a regulatory requirement.

How About You
How do you overcome the good ol' boy syndrome in your organization? Do you step up and address that behavior; or, is it a safer play to crawl under your desk and do some "personnel work" as quietly as possible?

 I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



 photo credit