The Personal Touch: A Guide to Acquiring Power within a College.

The Informal System Is it possible to use the system for one's own personal gain? The answer is a resounding yes and the following is a blueprint for doing so within a college. This work explores the behind the scene informal structures that make up the fabric of a college community. It also outlines cold hard tactics for developing alliances and bases of influences. Its approach at times may seem Machiavellian at heart, but its real focus is to allow for the opportunity for individuals to incorporate the traits of Socrates' Philosopher King as described in Plato's Republic as well. Alliances Form When The Formal System Breaks Down In theory several key factors are put in place to ensure that the formal system is functional and effective. One of these key factors is based upon the fact that the formal system within a college is comprised of a defined hierarchy with a well delineated chain of command. In theory, employees utilized this top to bottom down system to discuss issues, solve problems, develop ideas, and carry out policies. The hierarchy is designed to be position based with the most qualified people rising to the top. As such, it is therefore designed to be objective with decisions being made based upon what is good for the college. Individuals therefore should be hired based upon their qualifications and the abilities to promote the goals of the college. In reality though, the hiring process is not based on true meritocracy. The best candidate in fact is not always the one is offered the position. What occurs instead is a delicate balancing of several factors that result in a process that favors some candidates, is biased against others, but in the end provides a viable method for candidacy selection that works to perpetuate and reinforce the culture of the college and the beliefs of those work there (Simplicio, 2007). Since the system is therefore not truly objective and the people are the policy makers not always the most qualified, the use of power is in actuality subjective. The result is that it benefits some individuals while placing others at a disadvantage. The bottom line is that in many cases it is still who you know that matters and personal alliances are still the most effective avenue for accomplishing both institutional and personal goals. Clever people within the organization understand which individuals make up the most important alliances and how to use these alliances for their own personal benefit. The Personal Touch Smile and Show Those Pearly Whites The number one strategy for acquiring power that leads to personal gain within the college system is to develop a friendly and outgoing personality. People like to help other people are nice. The grump does not garnish favor with many individuals. On the other hand, the sweet, outgoing, humorous, and friendly person is welcomed. A smiling face is a passport to friendship. Once the chance to establish a friendship is offered it is important to build on this opportunity. This can be accomplished in several ways. The Complement One of the most successful strategies for building friendships and in turn spheres of influence is the effective and timely use of the complement. Individuals like to hear that they are doing a good job, and more importantly that they are good people. Through the use of complements an individual is able to not only make people feel good and show that they are important, they are able in turn to develop a special rapport that can be used in the future. It is essential though that these complements be genuine. Individuals will eventually see though disingenuous and pandering remarks. Visits Help Develop Personal Contacts The importance of personal contacts is crucial to the establishment of networking ties that will work to the benefit of the individual. In order to establish these networks it is important to take time each day to stop and speak with colleagues. …