10 Ways to Avoid the Arrogance of Power

I just read a great piece on SmartBrief on Leadership by Jeffrey Pfeffer, a Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. He wrote it for the Washingtonpost.com/On Leadership blog, and it’s called “The Arrogance of Power”.

In it, he says “Research in social psychology consistently reveals the corrupting effects of power: disinhibition and a diminished focus on those with less power. Influence distances those with it from those with less influence. At the same time, the ability to understand another’s point of view, and to put oneself in the other’s place, is one of the most critical factors that affects ability to obtain influence and is a critical skill for everyone, including organizational leaders.”

Full Story: http://www.greatleadershipbydan.com/2009/02/10-ways-to-avoid-arrogance-of-power.html