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Avoiding Power Struggles At Work
by Manda Turetsky
March 27, 2009
S
ome office conflicts can be traced back to "power struggles" between individuals and
sometimes groups. Power struggles can lead to a culture of frustration, slowed productivity,
increased turnover and poor judgment.
A Power Struggle Is ...
Just as
the name implies, a power struggle is a conflict that is not necessarily about the topic being
argued, but rather the personalities, ego and position of the people who disagree. Instead of
focusing on the issue at hand and constructively solving problems, combatants are more concerned
about being right, maintaining position or keeping others "in their place."
There are different reasons people struggle for power at work, but the results are often the
same, and usually detrimental to the organization.
How Power
Struggles Evolve
As people rise through the ranks of an organization or department, they often become
entrenched in a particular way of doing things. This may start as a simple way to feel competent
and confident. But over time, it can become increasingly comfortable and even essential to each
employee's sense of identity on the job.
In general, the longer an employee stays in a particular job or organization, the more prone
he or she will be to become entrenched and territorial, and more likely to participate in power
struggles. Employees who are generally anxious or fearful, or who feel powerless in other areas of
life may feel a stronger sense of identity tied to their power at work.
In reality, of course, every organization must experience change in order to thrive. This
means new employees, fresh perspectives, and changes in structure and procedures. While healthy for
the company, these changes can feel threatening to those with a strong investment in comfort and
stability. They may resist changes by refusing to be flexible about procedures, working slowly or
apathetically, or simply saying "no" to the ideas and requests of others.
People may also struggle for power when they have a strong need to appear confident and
capable in front of others - particularly upper management. Rather than quietly resisting or
disrupting the efforts of others, this group may loudly express opinions irrelevant to the current
discussion, take credit for the work of others, or belittle new ideas and people.
How To Avoid Power Struggles
The most frustrating thing about power struggles at work is that they are self-sustaining;
they tend to bring out the worst in everyone involved. The more tension is created, the more
determined each side becomes not to give in or help the "other side," and soon both parties have
lost their focus on what is really best for the organization, and sometimes, for themselves.
Even though power struggles tend to pull on our instincts to fight, the best way to handle
them is to avoid them whenever possible. This might mean taking steps that feel somewhat
counterintuitive at first.
Pick Your Battles
Power struggles sometimes make us feel that every issue is critically important; we
sometimes get the feeling that letting something go or letting another person "win" will somehow
reflect badly on us as individuals. In fact, it's the opposite. Being able to let go of minor
issues cheerfully demonstrates cooperativeness and team spirit. It may also pave the way for being
taken more seriously when the big issues arise.
Frame Things In A Collaborative Light
Whenever making a suggestion or request to someone who has a history of struggling for
power, allow space to collaborate with you, rather than simply yielding to your request. People
often need to feel they are part of something and operating of their own free choice. It's also
important to acknowledge what is important to this individual so that their needs are met as well
as your own.
For example, instead of saying, "Pat, I need a rush job on this check request for a big
client right away," you might get better results with questions. "Pat, can you help me? I'm
supposed to get a check out to this big client today. I know the usual procedure takes 48 hours,
but I'm really hoping we might be able to get it done today. What do you think?"
Offer Solutions And Options
When you find yourself engaged in a power struggle, it's important not to become entrenched
yourself. Step back and look outside your own viewpoint for solutions and options. Use
brainstorming, problem-solving and the opinions of others to create an environment of choice and
flexibility.
Accept Things That Are Unchangeable
Sometimes even the best strategies do not yield desirable results. This can happen when the
power-focused person is in a position of authority, has the backing of those in authority or when
the problem is pervasive in the work culture. After trying the constructive strategies without
success, it's sometimes best to accept what cannot be changed and simply step back. This can be
frustrating, but it can also be liberating to know that you have done all you can, and you are able
to simply let go. It is helpful to focus instead on the things over which you do have power.
Manda Turetsky, MS, MBA is a therapist, consultant and author based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the author of "Running (Together) on Empty: Helping your Family Stay Happy and Healthy During Difficult Economic Times." The book is available for download at www.flourishpublications.com.
