There are always going to be different power structures in the work place. It doesn’t matter WHAT industry you are in. The best way to navigate a work place’s inner power structure is to recognize what type it is! We listed the top power structure at work to help you navigate the waters going forward.
#1: Connection power is based upon who you know. This person knows, and has the ear of, other powerful people within the organization.
#2: Legitimate power. This comes from the position a person holds. This is related to a person’s title and job responsibilities. You might also hear this referred to as positional power.
#3. Coercive power is associated with people who are in a position to punish others. People fear the consequences of not doing what has been asked of them.
There are always sub-divisions of power and politics at work. The best thing you can do to get-along in the workplace is recognize the type of power structure and do your best to adhere to and grow with it.