Scouting the Power of Leadership

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات · 3 دقائق وقت القراءة · ~10 ·

التدوين

مدونة Ali

saturation

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coercive force

©1994 [neyolopantio Britamivs, Ie

Two observations led me to the idea of this buzz. The first one is reading several posts on the power of leadership. The word power brought the idea of if this power follows the power law. The five bases of power were identified by John French and Bertram Raven in the early 1960's through a study they had conducted on power in leadership roles. These powers:

1. Coercive Power- in which the leader threatens followers if they don’t abide by his/her instructions

2. Reward Power- the leaders promises rewards for accomplishments

3. Expert Power-the power of the leader is based on his skill, knowledge and expertise

4. Legitimate Power- the legitimacy derives for the formal position of the leader in the organization

5. Referent Power- the source of power is based on the respect the leader earned from followers

The coercive power based on threatening followers that diverted my attention. The word coercive is used in hysteresis loops in which going from A to B and then from B to A doesn’t take a system back to A initially. Rather it follows a path as is shown below:

In electrical engineering and materials science, the coercivity, also called the magnetic coercivity, coercive field or coercive force, is a measure of the ability of a ferromagnetic material to withstand an external magnetic field without becoming demagnetized. It is a measure of the reverse field needed to drive the magnetization to zero after being saturated. On the curve above it is the value of H for which B is zero. If we follow the arrows we find that we don’t go back to the starting point (where the B and H lines intersect); instead the material goes in a loop. The H line represents the strength of the magnetic field. The line B is the magnetic flux density. This is because of the magnetic field causing the mini magnets of the magnetized material to align in one direction. The aligning process does not occur simultaneously or in step with the magnetizing field but lags behind it.

The video below illustrates the above elegantly

Here comes the analogy with leaders. Leaders who have magnetic power realize that aligning people towards a goal may lag behind. The leaders job is to create a magnetized field so as to cause the magnet-like employees to align towards a common goal (and I prefer a common purpose) and this alignment shall depend on the type of workers the leader has.

The leader should be aware of the fact that if he generates a magnetic field (environment) that not all employees are shall be readily magnetized. His first job should be centered on identifying those employees.

Second, the leader should realize that alignment of employees depends on the type of employees ha has. The alignment process takes energy. The alignment of employees towards a purpose shall lose its value unless the leader aligns the resources as well for employees to make their alignment of value.

Third, a leader should realize that not all employees shall have the same capacity to retain their acquired magnetism. Some employees are like permanent magnets and others are temporary magnets. It is the leaders’ responsibility to that he keeps the environment magnetized. A leader who can turn employees into permanently magnetized ones is doing exceptionally well.

The coercive force is the result of putting employees in a magnetic environment. It is there. Using threatening as a coercive force will only demagnetize employees and the whole loop shall fall down.

I can’t finish this buzz without referring to the exchange of comments I had with Harvey Lloyd on my previous buzz. In his comment #56 Harvey wrote “Traveling from B to A can be a very enlightening process, but within professional circles the process can become/develop into a witch hunt. Whenever we insert a stimulus towards a goal itself generates responses from those involved, complexity. When we start to see results from our personal/responsible stimulus we are experiencing the varying responses to stimulus by others. What part of my original stimulus caused person X to go north and person y to go south? B to A. This would be a very self aware review”. I hope this comment gets the attention it deserves.

The role of leaders is creating a magnetizing environment for well-selected staff that is ready to be magnetized and therefore to align with the purpose of the organization. Well-communicating, trusted, influencing and passionate leaders shall help in the self-aligning process. No need for the coercive force; it is part of the loop anyway.

#Power #John French #Coercive Power #Bertram Raven #Leadership

Lisa Gallagher

منذ 6 سنوات #39

#48
I agree Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee, Savvy's sure are. Thank you for the compliment Savvy!

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #38

#47
Thank you dear Savvy Raj and I assure you that your buzzes and comments are "soul stirring". I learn a lot from you. Not only from your writing, but also from your good manners

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #37

#45
Again and again, your comment highlights how small acts may generate a lasting effect on us. I salute your husband dear Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher and yes, you can see how a message may fill the eyes with joyful tears and move us in a great force. Amazing we are humans. We know it takes little to please hearts, but sometimes we procrastinate from doing this. You are still engaged Lisa because you are exchanging comments and sharing buzzes. The place is no more a confining one for us not to interact. We see each other on video and feel the proximity even more. Distances are diluting

Lisa Gallagher

منذ 6 سنوات #36

#43
What a great story Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee. That had to really lift you up and how exciting that he invited you to his workplace. You left a positive, life long impression with him. My husband has used interns off and on since 2004 or so. He always paid them and they learned so much before heading back to College. He always hears from them at least once a year and a few keep in touch more than that. I know it makes him feel proud too, I can see it in his eyes when he tells me about the most recent email or phone call. What a nice compliment my friend! There are days I wouldn't mind getting back out into the workforce. I love helping with the business but it can be a bit isolating at times since most of my work is from home. I would gladly be the student again :) I keep digging deep within but it's been almost 3 years since I worked outside of my home that I feel a bit lost. So, for now... my daughter looks up to me for parenting advice and I feel proud of that!

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #35

#42
Thank you Harvey Lloyd has offered two great comments that are still brewing in my head from last night

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #34

#40
Thank you Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher- you are too so kind. I measure my leadership style with some indicators. One indicator is how many people leave the work I am leading? Another indicator is how much care people give to contact me after years of separation? This last one really works. Say that you managed a person and ten years later after one you left the job you meet accidentally in a street? What feelings would you have? One day I was walking a busy street in London. I heard a voice calling my name behind me. I stopped, looked backwards and saw one of my previous student from almost 15 years ago trying to reach me. The student eyes were dancing with joy. He had a prestigious job in London and insisted on me. to visit his workplace. That visit turned out to be one of my memorable ones. Leadership is leaving lightbulbs on for others walking their way in life. I could be easily the student who would do the same if I glanced you walking in a street dear Lisa.

Harvey Lloyd

منذ 6 سنوات #33

#39
& #37 The free style nature of the kayak offers us an opportunity to learn the basics of paddling, balance and navigation through trial and error. The dragon boat would be a difficult learning curve for a first time paddler. Your scenario offered many views of how in leadership we assume that everyone has the experience and confidence to move forward into new and challenging aspects of progress. Having never experienced the challenges of competitive dragon boat participation i would probably not do very well without having spent some non-competitive time in a kayak. Some consideration should be given as we focus our teams on creative "self-learning" under little pressure while they advance into more difficult activities that have more pressure of performance as a team. Good thoughts and application of the post.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #32

#39
You have so many rich, inspiring and relevant ideas. You may wish TO consider establishing a virtual team to start playing this game or an adaption of it to suit virtual teams.to play this game Joanne Gardocki. I believe this ideas would result in making great suggestions for team management, generate creative ides and provide you with a great material for sharing the experience with others. You may also find breakthrough ideas for those people who belong to the lower rungs of the organization. Simple rules start from the lower rungs as you know. You have a fertile mind my friend.

Lisa Gallagher

منذ 6 سنوات #31

#36
Your so kind Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee. I would work for you or with you any day! I envision you have been a great leader your entire life.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #30

#37
This is a fantastic analogy Joanne Gardocki. When resources change we may change our group actions. We must be aware of what resource (boat) we are using, the rules of game and the specific requirements of each case. I am going now to watch few videos on kayaking and dragon boating to assimilate your comment in more depth. All I can say now this is a comment that should be part of any training on leadership. You could write many articles based on this comment. The beauty of your example is that it is in the interest of everyone to synchronize and work as a team. The waters of business today is changing and the game is changing its rules. Is it better to go kayaking or dragon boating? You leave me with so much to think about. I invite Sara Jacobovici to read and enjoy your comment as well.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #29

#35
Whenever you comment on my buzzes your vibes "vibes send positive signals throughout the workplace". You are a magnetic leader Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher.

Lisa Gallagher

منذ 6 سنوات #28

I just love the analogies you use Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee, your mind must never stop thinking, your brilliant. A magnetic leader draws in others with enthusiasm, they make people actually look forward to coming into work. Magnetic leaders vibes send positive signals throughout the workplace.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #27

#33
Thank you Sonia Quintero. Thank you also for your sharing the buzz

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #26

#30
::)))

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #25

Thank you Preston \ud83d\udc1d Vander Ven. I shall read your buzz today.

Lance 🐝 Scoular

منذ 6 سنوات #24

👥ed 🐝🐝🐤🐳🔥🚲

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #23

#27
You are very observant Joanne Gardocki. I agree fully with you and we need staff with different interests, thinking, perspectives and imagination to see the whole spectrum. However; there must be alignment at the end towards a purpose. Bees scout different locations for new sights. They use the waggling dance to select the optimal one. Once they do they all follow. If not, the organization shall be going in different directions. yes, by "rubbing" employees minds they might generate magnetic ideas. Brainstorming should avoid groupthink. This is a hugely-important issue. I wrote a presentation on how to avoid groupthink. https://www.slideshare.net/hudali15/unequal-opposites This is one of my most viewed presentation. A great leader must find a way to overcome groupthink.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #22

#24
Thank you again Harvey Lloyd. You mentioned the DiSC Profile and I am fully aware of it. I even suggested a way to help us give initial picture of a person. This is discussed in my presentation New profiling approach for employees https://www.slideshare.net/hudali15/new-profiling-approach-for-employees The comment of Magdalena below may also be of help in completing the DISC Profile.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #21

I responded to the previous comment as follows: Absolutely correct your writing Magdalena-Maria GROSU "Your own outer magnetism is dependent on how you present yourself to others. That is always a choice. You choose your attitude, your body language, and your words". I want to add here the idea that we have a choice to be a magnetic leader and working towards it or at least to be susceptible to the power of magnetism. Magnetic leaders are few, but we have the other choice to be attracted to them or not. Some people aren't even attracted to the strongest magnet and they all show anti-magnetism. Others are attracted to the magnetism of leaders because they understand the values that make those leaders magnet-like. You provided dear Magdalena the attributes of magnetic leaders exceptionally well. "They create a fun, exciting environment and seem larger than life. We’re curious and want to learn more about them". The comment of Magdalena-Maria GROSU is exemplary of magnetic comments that grab our attention and I invite Harvey Lloyd to enjoy it as well.

Harvey Lloyd

منذ 6 سنوات #20

#20
You ask the ultimate leadership question. Given the circumstances of leadership we must be able to sense that our journey with others is creating the right momentum downstream. I have found only one way to establish understanding and dialogue with teammates that can expose and explore poor performance as a leader. Meyers-Briggs personality testing, which is based on Jongs work many years shoe. Lately and updated program referred to as DiSC Profile has gained popularity. Either of these gives leadership a wisdom of understanding why people do what they do and offer ways to discuss the issues. Most importantly it gives leaders a backdrop to understand character change needed and the ability to measure that change. My personal experience has shown that many who want to grow adapt quickly and those that wish to sustain their personal narrative will fight to the bitter end to not change. If I were to guess I would state that you are probably an ENTP under the Meyer Briggs model. I am guessing though.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #19

I responded to the previous commeAbsolutely correct your writing Magdalena-Maria GROSU "Your own outer magnetism is dependent on how you present yourself to others. That is always a choice. You choose your attitude, your body language, and your words". I want to add here the idea that we have a choice to be a magnetic leader and working towards it or at least to be susceptible to the power of magnetism. Magnetic leaders are few, but we have the other choice to be attracted to them or not. Some people aren't even attracted to the strongest magnet and they all show anti-magnetism. Others are attracted to the magnetism of leaders because they understand the values that make those leaders magnet-like. You provided dear Magdalena the attributes of magnetic leaders exceptionally well. "They create a fun, exciting environment and seem larger than life. We’re curious and want to learn more about them". The comment of Magdalena-Maria GROSU is exemplary of magnetic comments that grab our attention and I invite Harvey Lloyd to enjoy it as well.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #18

I enjoyed immensely reading this comment by Magdalena-Maria GROSU and on the buzz shared on LI. I believe this comment merits your attention. Your own outer magnetism is dependent on how you present yourself to others. That is always a choice. You choose your attitude, your body language, and your words. Of course, everyone is magnetic to some degree. Whether your magnetism is governed by principles of attraction or repulsion is entirely up to you. Charismatic leaders add the elusive quality of magnetism to the mix for a compelling leadership . They command attention through exceptional verbal and/or nonverbal communication styles. Leaders who reach the magnetism level have a unique way of looking at the world—one that’s often contrarian. They create a fun, exciting environment and seem larger than life. We’re curious and want to learn more about them. The charismatic leader changes the way we feel about ourselves, our values and our beliefs. Our behavior and performance are therefore influenced on a deeper level Never underestimate the power of magnetism, as it’s the essence of charisma. If a leader uses charisma well, it serves as a powerful influence tactic. In some circumstances, particularly the challenging times, charismatic leadership can pull a group together and inspire focus.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #17

#4
i have just recalled that you have your experience with coercive leaders. I wonder if this is the right place to share your story. If yes, then this would be great.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #16

#19
Great clarification Harvey Lloyd and is sensible. I want to make a further clarification as well. A magnetic leader- and magnetism is power- can be attractive in certain cases. Magnetism generates a coercive power as is explained in the post. This power has a high value only with some materials (persons). It means they shall stay magnetized if the magnetic effect is moved away. They retain this power. So, we wish employees to retain a power if they stay magnetized after exposing them to this force. In this case they retain their magnetism to work and don't lose it once they are taken away from the leader's influence. It can work with certain types of employees and there are few of them. I recall watching an Egyptian movie when the hero was only magnetized after scolding. The question now is how to identify these employees?

Harvey Lloyd

منذ 6 سنوات #15

#17
Thanks for the mention and comments. I believe a little clarity in my comments on coercive power would help here. Power comes in many forms naturally and man made. The sun, magnetism, fluid dynamics and electricity to name a few. We use these energy sources according to task. In studying the five basis leadership powers I found that many identified these powers as character traits of leadership. Under this assumption I would have to say coercion, as a character trait, is not good. I find the five leadership powers as veritable tools in leadship. Each with its own specific application. Coercive power is reserved for someone you have a trust relationship and circumstances dictate a need for immediate change in direction and, the other powers are not effective. A friend who is useing the corporate expense account to pay personal bills, a salesperson who is considering less than moral ways to get a sale or other circumstances where friends are in disparate times and useing desperate measures. Good leaders apply the right power to the right circumstances and people to establish a win win outcome.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #14

This is the group discussion of this buzz on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6308926907824111617/ Thank you @Magdalena-Maria GROSU for sharing it

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #13

In my response to Magdalena on her sharing, I made the following clarification: @Magdalena-Maria GROSUO- I recommended that the Coercive Power should be avoided. Harvey Lloyd commented on the post with great contributions. He didn't mind the use of coercive power rarely for a purpose. He reasoned this in his comment. I agree with Harvey in its use in rare cases. This depends on the quality of person-if his/her magnetization shall end up with a large coercive force or not. Large area for this force mens the "magnetized" person shall retain the magnetism for long periods. Those people are the candidates for some force.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #12

@Magdalena-Maria GROSU started a discussion based on this buzz on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4972340/4972340-6308822304428294148

Laurent Boscherini

منذ 6 سنوات #11

#8
Dear Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee, thank you my friend for your very kind words. For me, Leadership is a calling on every one of us, to some degree. It is less about position and more disposition its singular context, which starts by ourselves.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #10

#13
There are comments that reflect on the intention of the author better than the author himself. Your comment Harvey Lloyd falls under this category. When I wrote this buzz I was thinking of the loop that we get and within the boundaries of this loop a leader may define his/her role. I appreciate your segmenting the loop from A to B (future) and B-A (thinking backwards). Yes, situations change and the role changes accordingly. I like how you identified the major attribute of leaders and mainly the referent power leader when going in the B-A direction. You do open our eyes on the timing of power a leader need depending where on the loop h/s is. Great insights and your comments have always been a source of inspiration.

Harvey Lloyd

منذ 6 سنوات #9

Power or energy is something, that as leaders, we must exert on a situation, event or person(s). Power in itself is not bad, its amoral, its how we use it that determines our reflection from others. Magnetism and its physical properties are a constant. Power though is acted on individuals and we cant necessarily place the reflection of this power on a scale when dealing with multiples of people. Through the B-A process we can develop a scale of stimulus-response whereby we can begin to learn how power is impacting our goals. Each of the five powers, even coercive, is a tool to accomplish a task. Although we tend to look at coercive powers as negative, these can be used to exert pressure on individuals with great results. I typically use this style of power when i am dealing with the fears of another individual. My coercion is applied in hopes this power will be greater than the fear the individual is applying and failing in task. No it doesn't always work, but if we use this technique in a win-win formula the intentions are good. In a B-A strategic discussion i would choose referent power as the style of power to use. In a A-B discussion i would need to choose between Legitimate or Expert depending on the circumstances. In parenting i always used legitimate, not because i was an expert but because it was my role. It took a few teenage years for the family to understand, but, this use of power gave my "role" respect not necessarily me. This post can clearly be seen as B-A opportunity for us to explore how we use power in what formats and the outcomes. Establishing methods of application for the future (A-B). Legitimate, Referent and Expert power structures are ones we choose for the group, team or company depending on need. Reward and coercive should be used sparingly, only in win-win applications, and typically on individuals to assist them in moving forward. Great thoughts here and thanks for the quote and mention.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #8

#10
Great and I thank you for your wishes dear

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #7

#9
Yes, very true and the worse thing leaders can do is being repulsive (Coercive-type) leaders. Thank you Debasish Majumder for drawing my attention to the negative leaders.

Debasish Majumder

منذ 6 سنوات #6

there is another power a leader possess i guess, and that is deceptive power, which equally attracts workers out of the promise he make, despite knowing well he will be not keeping his promise. secondly, a magnet contains attraction as well repulsion features too. as a result, a leader may emerge as detrimental to an organization out of his vicious quality. however, lovely insight sir Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee! enjoyed read and shared. thank you for the share sir.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #5

#6
Thank you dear Laurent Boscherini and I can tell you my friend that you are a leader. I don't know you personally, but I know you enough from your comments.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #4

#4
Thank you - you raise a hugely-important issue in that a "perfect leader" must have the qualities 2 through 5. However; one we don't have "symmetrical leaders' in that they are stronger in one area than the other. I can't imagine an effective leader with a minimum and working level of all of them. The leader is the external big magnet that influences the current flow by keeping information flow, by being able to align employees to a purpose, to gain their trust in his knowledge and his/her adherence to the purpose and by being able to align the resources to support the purpose. You are spot on.

Laurent Boscherini

منذ 6 سنوات #3

Thank you dear Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee for sharing your enthusiasm as a key point of your purpose, oriented to a reciprocal passion, upscaling and uplifting people beyond the appearances and personal perspectives..."quod erat demonstrandum"

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #2

Harvey Lloyd- you are mentioned in the buzz.

Ali Anani

منذ 6 سنوات #1

#1
I agree Jason Baudendistel. I know the buzz might be not-so-easy to digest, but it is in line with your comment. The ending paragraph of the buzz is in accordance with what you say.

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عرض المدونة

منذ 3 سنوات · 3 دقائق وقت القراءة

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