Every effective manager needs to know how to wisely manage power and influence. Skill in doing so enables managers to win the cooperation of others, to elicit the most value from diverse organizational resources, and to consistently achieve goals.
In this class, you will be introduced to conceptual models, tactical approaches, and self-assessment tools that can help you to manage workplace power dynamics more wisely and skillfully. You will learn about several different methods of influence, and start the process of understanding and shaping your own influence style. You will also explore specific, real-world examples to understand how power and influence might be effectively and ineffectively used at different stages of a person’s career. As the nature of our focal topics will raise difficult ethical questions, the course will also challenge you to examine and define your views on what will constitute the ethical exercise of power and influence in your work life.
Readings in this class are extensive. Preparing thoroughly for class discussions and exercises with these weekly readings is essential for getting the most value from the class.
