Skill Building Exercises for Interpersonal Power

 

Here are a few exercises that might prove useful in discussion of power in interpersonal communication.

Principles of Power

The principles of power explain some of the ways power operates. For each of these principles identify one example of how that principle has impacted your life in some minor or major way:

Power Principle	Impact example, specific instance, illustration
1.  Some people are more powerful than others.
2.  Power can be shared.
3.  Power can be increased or decreased.
4.  Power follows the principle of less interest.
5.  Power generates privilege.
6.  Power is influenced by culture.

Recognizing Power

Being able to recognize power in others is a good first step in understanding what makes for power and how it’s exercised. What person—real or fictional, dead or alive—would you say best exemplifies the power relationship between you and this powerful person? Select people that others would know, so no “Uncle Charlie” or “my fourth-grade teacher.” Why did you select those you named?

 

Power Type	Person
Referent power
Legitimate
Expert
Information/persuasion:
Reward
Coercive

 

Managing Power Plays

Here are a few examples of power plays. For each, develop a three-part management strategy in which you:

·        state your feelings in I-messages

·        describe the other person’s behavior that you object to

·        state a cooperative response

1.     Pat continually interrupts you. When you say something Pat breaks in and finishes what Pat thinks you want to say. You need this stopped.

2.     One of your coworkers responds to all your ideas with the “yougottobekidding” comments: You can’t be serious. Do you really mean that? You are joking, aren’t you?

3.     Your close friend Pat helped you get your job and every time Pat wants you to do something, Pat reminds you of the help in getting your job. It’s like you’re indebted to Pat for the rest of your life.

4.     Your friend posts pictures of you on Facebook and Instagram that you would rather not have people see. When you object, your friend ignores your concern and says things like, “I think the photos are cute” or “People love to see these.”