Middle Manager Power Essay

I am actually a middle manager in one of the county agencies. In my line of work there are many layers of responsibilities. Some special assignments and projects by far exceed the legitimate power that was given to me and requires higher level of power and authority than my middle manager power can provide. It is also apparent to me that I have to rely and depend on others to accomplish the goals and objectives of the organization. Yes, I feel sometimes I need power being aware there are couple of faces of power, so to clarify I will attempt to describe needs for positive rather than negative aspects of power. The dilemma is how to use power I have so it servers to everyone in a positive and constructive way rather than negative or abusive way that can potentially distract and ruin empowerment of others, which almost always leads to the decrease in productivity, morale and team cohesiveness. Even more, how to increase that power without increasing …show more content…
Formal power can be Power to Reward or power to punish, also known as Coercive Power. Preferred power for me is power to reward, which most of the time will provide something that my team members need or value. I would like to lead more by coaching and rewarding a good work rather than be known for emphasizing coercive power. I don’t want my team members to fear me, because that leads to being afraid and not openly expressing their opinions, suggestions and concerns. I really don’t need “Yes Men” people, I need to be surrounded by creative competent people that will freely express their creativity and engage in brain storming and decision making processes so I can make well informed decision. I am not undermining my legitimate power, I realize how powerful force that power is, however, I need other forms of power to supplement the legitimate