Power, Status, Leadership How To Get People To Do Stuff Without Yelling by Holly Soboroff Leadership Curriculum Module

Two Ways to Lead Power Status

Power The ability to get people to do things they otherwise don’t want to do. It usually involved punishment for bad behavior and rewards for good behavior.

The Problem with Power People work just hard enough to avoid punishment or get reward, then they stop. Or they decide the punishment or reward isn’t worth it and they do what they want to anyway.

Power Example GRADES: A teacher can use the threat of a bad grade (punishment) or offer a good grade (reward) to get students to work. However, if grades are the only reason students work, they will do just enough to get the grade they want and no more.

Status The ability to inspire people to want to help the group with its goals. Being so awesome that people want to hang out with you, listen to you, tell you their ideas and help you out.

Status Characteristics Things that people think make you better at that particular task Example: We assume a senior knows more than a freshman, or that a tall person is better at basketball than a short person

How To Get More Status You can’t control your age, height and some other status characteristics, but you can control the big four: Goal oriented Group oriented Competent Caring

Goal Oriented Values the goal of the group (producing a yearbook, newspaper, informing school, etc.) Makes it a priority Encourages other team members to be goal oriented, too Makes sure the team goals are clear and something everyone believes in Sets high standards for work

How to be Goal Oriented Make your own deadlines. Spend time outside of class doing work. Edit carefully. Remind group members of goals. Do your best work. When finished, look for other ways to help the group

Group Oriented Puts the team before their own concerns. Thinks in terms of “we” instead of “me” Makes decisions as a group whenever possible. Considers group feedback. Keeps other group members involved.

How to be Group Oriented Make sure everyone has some ownership of the project Respect work and talents of group members. Ask for feedback and help. Offer to help others.

Competent Be good at what you do. Look good at what you do. Produce high quality work. Always look for ways to improve your skills. Be organized.

How to be Competent Show up on time. Find an organization system that works for you. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Work on both. Read other newspapers and publications. Network with people who can help you. Be proud of your work. Show it off sometimes.

Caring Help others. Be easy to approach and go out of your way to approach others. Listen. Communicate constructively. Control emotions. Show others you care.

How to be Caring Be proud of your staff. Show off their good work. Give people a chance to do their best work. Communicate. The best way to avoid confrontation is to ask questions and give reminders. Make time for celebrations and fun.