According to a management professor at the Stern School of Business at New York University, power changes the way people think, perceive, and relate to others. According to her research, power can lead to an unhealthy environment. It also changes people's values and perception of themselves. This is why power is not always a good thing.
Ineffectual power
Legitimate power can be abused when used by inexperienced or underqualified individuals. These people are likely to make ineffective decisions and cause delays and disruption. Sadly, many people have power without knowing how to use it properly. It is not easy to resist this abuse, but it is possible to prepare for the battle with your conscience. Having power is a great responsibility.
Active power
During an electrical power system's operation, active power flows from a power source to the load. This kind of power flows in a constant direction, and the wattage it produces is positive. Active power is different from reactive power, which bounces back and forth between the source and load. Reactive power is not a good thing because it can cause undesirable voltage drops and heating.
Coercive power
Coercive power is not a positive thing. It often involves an element of violence, and the process of power accumulation can provoke resistance from those with the most to lose. Examples include Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Sudan, where coercive power is widely distributed and easily abused.
Reward power
While offering rewards to top-performing employees is important for employee engagement and motivation, there are also some negative consequences to this practice. For starters, it encourages employees to work harder and do extra work, which can lead to burnout and poor mental health. However, if used in the right way, reward power can encourage employees to give their best and push the company forward.
Institutional power
In the age of digital connectivity, institutional life will become more intense. While the exact impact on responsiveness and efficiency is still uncertain, many institutions are already struggling to cope. One major change will be the relationship between experts and amateurs. Experts with institutional backing and authority will no longer have the same power to impose their will over the amateurs. Amateurs will have time and money, and this difference will matter in engagement with institutions.
Positive influence
A positive influence is someone who encourages others to do something. They won't criticize or condemn your ideas or choices, and they'll be there for you through thick and thin. Such an influence encourages you to be the best version of yourself. They'll take an interest in your life, listen to your concerns without judgement, and offer advice when you ask for it. They'll also be silent unless you speak up.