Individual skills and attributes as sources of power
Pfeffer's (1992) research and observations emphasize the following
characteristics as being especially important for acquiring and
maintaining strategic power bases:
- High energy and physical endurance is the ability and
motivation to work long and oftentimes grueling hours. Absent this
attribute, other skills and characteristics may not be of much value.
- Directing energy is the ability and skill to focus on a
clear objective and to subordinate other interests to that objective.
Attention to small details embedded in the objective is critical for
getting things done.
- Successfully reading the behavior of others is the
ability and skill to understand who are the key players, their positions
and what strategy to follow in communicating with and influencing them.
Equally essential in using this skill is correctly
assessing their willingness or resistance to following the
Strategic Leader's direction.
- Adaptability and flexibility is the ability and skill
to modify one's behavior. This skill requires the capacity to re-direct
energy, abandon a course of action that is not working, and manage
emotional or ego concerns in the situation.
- Motivation to engage and confront conflict is
the ability and skill to deal with conflict in order to get done what
you want accomplished. The willingness to take on the tough issues and
challenges and execute a successful strategic
decision is a source of power in any organization.
- Subordinating one's ego is the ability and skill to
submerge one's ego for the collective good of the team or organization.
Possessing this attribute is related to the characteristics of
adaptability and flexibility. Depending on the situation
and players, by exercising discipline and restraint an
opportunity may be present to generate greater power and resources in a
future scenario.
The skills and attributes
identified in the ICAF Strategic Leader Development Inventory are
relevant not only to the work of strategic leaders but may contribute to
their overall capacity to acquire and use power effectively. These
skills and attributes
are grouped as conceptual skills and attributes and positive attributes.