The Power Circle Exercise

Abstract

The focus of this exercise is the situational impact of power and how individuals in an organization interpret it. The ‘Power Circle’ concept is utilized to interpret an individual’s power configuration in a given situation. To be totally cognizant of one’s ability to act in a contingency, individuals must be aware of and utilize those particular power bases in which they are perceived as powerful. Power base may change according to the needs of the situation. Individuals must constantly be aware that changes can and will occur. Since the ability to achieve power effectiveness in a particular situation enhances one’s leadership effectiveness in that given situation, possessing the knowledge of one’s perceived power base would prove to be beneficial. This exercise allows one to evaluate one’s own perception of his or her power base and how it relates to the perceptions of others.