HCA 301: Power Dynamics in Healthcare

Using Power Image as Power

• Stand erect and move energetically to demonstrate confidence and power.
• Use facts and figures to support your point, such as patient acuity, daily census, length of stay, and overtime budgets.
• Become visible, be available, and offer assistance to key personnel in the organization.
• Develop powerful partnerships by sharing credit and blame, and being clear about what is needed in collaborative projects.

Effective Communication

• Introduce yourself confidently with eye contact and a handshake to establish a powerful image.
• Dress appropriately to symbolize power and success.
• Convey a positive and energetic attitude, and speak clearly and confidently.
• Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice to convey power and confidence.

Using Power Appropriately

• Use the least amount of power necessary to be effective in interactions with others.
• Use power appropriate to the situation and avoid overusing or underusing power.
• Avoid power plays and attempts to diminish or demolish others.
• Focus on the problem, not the person, and make polite requests, not arrogant demands.

Principles of Power

• Power is the means, not the end, to seek new ways of doing things.
• Power is the ability to mobilize and focus energy and resources.
• Use power to promote consensus in organizational goals and to achieve a positive and favorable image.