MIX TV
MIX Maverick Jeffrey Pfeffer explains why influence skills are still important as you work more collaboratively, to keep from getting mired in endless discussions about how to move forward.
I've always believed that if you are given the gift of power and influence (in your organization, community, church, in any group); you should use it to do good and to help/leave a positive impact on as many people as possible. Maybe if this was incorporated into the teachings of our school system from the beginning (Elementary school) and reiterated over and over and over again along with proper role-models to follow; we would have more ethical and righteous leaders rather than the power-hungry, greedy leaders we often find in our society today. I understand that competition can surface these negative behaviors/traits but we need to teach in high schools and definitely college how individuals can gain power and influence by being good and ethical leaders. That getting to the top ranks really doesn't require cheating, lying, back-stabbing, stepping on people's toes, etc. that many may have us believe. There are even books written indicating that this is the only way. I completely disagree and feel that we need to change this destructive lesson before it's too late. A great book to read regarding this is: "The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead" by David Callahan.
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