Thu, August 19, 2010 - 9:36:56

Power and NICE

Which came first: the power or the tyrant? It’s the perennial “chicken-and-egg” question of the business world that Wall Street Journal columnist Jonah Lehrer asks in his essay, “The Power Trip.” Although everyone from 16th-century Italian philosopher Machiavelli to 21st-century Harvard Business Review contributor Jeffrey Pfeffer has theorized about the link between overt aggressiveness and power, psychologists tell Lehrer quite a different story. Contrary to popular opinion, NICE characteristics such as politeness, honesty, and outgoingness are much more likely to lead people into positions of power. But, once they get to the top, experts caution that it can be a slippery slope. Why? Because of something scientists call the “power paradox.”

Some scientific studies suggest that being in a position of authority has a unique effect on the human brain, that can cause people to become less sympathetic to the emotions and concerns of others—and as history has shown us, this can have a devastating effect on a business’ bottom line. But, fortunately there is hope. In order for NICE guys who made it to the top to avoid falling victim to the power paradox, all they need to do is flex their NICE muscles, daily.

Make the rounds. Studies have found that isolation leads people in power to lose their NICE skills faster. So, make it a point get out and simply make small talk with your employees every day. Not only will it keep you in NICE shape, it will provide you with immeasurable insights about your organization at all levels and boost your office morale.

Use your eyes and ears. Dacher Keltner, a psychologist at the University of California, Berkeley, tells WSJ’s Jonah Lehrer that one of the most common negative side-effects of authority is that it causes you to limit eye contact with others, which not only decreases the effectiveness of your communications, it lowers your level of empathy for others. So remember to “shut up and listen” as we like to say, and then look up to make eye contact with the person in front of you—no matter who is doing the talking.

Open your door. Transparency is one of the best ways to avoid falling into the power paradox trap, Cal Berkeley’s Keltner explains. As an added bonus, it’s a great way to establish trust with your team—and it’s as easy as leaving your door ajar instead of slammed shut.

Posted by Linda and Robin