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Hello, my name is Kurt Bailey, and this is a presentation on positional versus

personal power.

I will be covering a comparison of positional versus personal power,

a couple of examples.

Next, I will review which is the best option in project management.

The best option will be followed by a few ways someone can improve their own

personal power.

Positional power is the authority derived from a formal title or role in

organization which enables the use of legitimate, reward, and coercive power

direct others.

This type of power is great for high stakes or regulated environments that

a lot of control.

A downfall of this can be a lack of team engagement or lower morale.

This type of power also drives compliance over commitment.

Personal power comes from an individual's attributes such as

trustworthiness, or charisma, which enables influence without formal

Personal power will drive up commitment and can persuade people to follow out of

trust and admiration.

It is best used in innovative, cross -functional settings where people are

to express their ideas if there is need to improve a process.

However, it may lack formal authority to enforce compliance of team members.

Because almost half of my life was spent in a military environment, I tend to

understand concepts best.

when I can apply them to how it may have looked in the Army.

This case is no different and seems to be a perfect example that I experienced

numerous times in every unit.

Positional power.

Colonel Lee is the commander of a brigade.

When she gives an order, it is followed.

This is because of her formal rank, her position as commander, and the authority

given to her to give orders.

People obey.

because of regulations and the consequences of disobeying an order.

Personal.

Sergeant Smith is in the middle of the enlisted ranks and is not in a position

of authority like a squad leader.

However, he is respected in his unit for his knowledge, fairness, and ability to

gain trust.

Lower ranking soldiers, peers, and officers often come to him for guidance

this power comes from who he is not his rank or position

the best option is a combination of both if a

project manager displays strong personal power people will be drawn to them and

want to be on their project team a project manager with strong personal

will not get in the way of new ideas or process improvements

They will also have the humility needed to share knowledge and provide guidance.

Most of all, they will understand how a project team that is dedicated to the

goal will achieve greater success than a team that is serving an overbearing

project manager.

Adding positional power will allow the project manager to ask for more

if needed, giving them more weight than personal power alone.

It will also give them the operational authority to hold team members

accountable and, as an example, require them to attend meetings and contribute

to the project.

According to PMI in PMBOK Guide 7th Edition, the core goal of a project

is to deliver value by achieving specific objectives within defined

such as scope, time, cost, quality, and so on.

Having positional authority helps to ensure a project meets the customer's

requirements.

When it comes to improving personal power, developing emotional intelligence

EQ is a great way to start.

If you know yourself, you will be better suited to serve and lead others.

This improvement can be made by practicing mindful meditation.

Keeping a journal of events and reactions is also beneficial and can be

entertaining or perhaps a little scary to reflect on after a year or so.

A person who can manage their emotions is one who can build trust and

credibility.

Being confident is not always being the smartest person in the room, but rather

being the one who is willing to learn what they do not know.

Gaining knowledge and continuing education is a good way to grow personal

You may also increase knowledge in the more broad strategic goal of your

organization.

Lastly, growing a strong network of like -minded personal power leaders can be

very beneficial.

In my current role, I have had to rely on a lot of people to help me learn and

accomplish tasks.

Because of this, I always offer whatever I have in return to help emphasize my

gratitude.

It is important to not become a taker in these relationships.

Further, expanding beyond your own peer level, even if working on a cross

-functional team, will grow your network and may provide opportunities you may

have otherwise missed.