Power-Sort Exercise
Sort people into quadrants based on influence and authority
The Power-Sort Exercise is a simple and insightful exercise that helps individuals understand the power dynamics within their organization. By sorting people into quadrants based on influence and authority, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of who has influence and how decisions are made.
- Influence and authority are key factors in decision-making
- Understanding the power dynamics is crucial for effective decision-making
- Sorting people into quadrants based on influence and authority can help individuals understand the power dynamics
- Draw a 2x2 tableDraw a 2x2 table and label each quadrant IA, NIA, INA, and NINA.Pro tipUse a piece of paper or a whiteboard to draw the tableWarningBe cautious not to confuse the quadrants
- Sort people into quadrantsSort the people involved in the issue into the quadrant that best describes their influence and authority.Pro tipUse the IA, NIA, INA, and NINA quadrants to sort peopleWarningBe cautious not to misjudge someone's influence or authority
Pete and the Power Nurse
Pete, a part-time doctor, used the Power-Sort Exercise to understand the power dynamics within his clinic and increase his influence on the EMR implementation project.
OutcomePete was able to align himself with the influential nurse, Esther, and increase his influence on the project.
Misjudging influence or authority
Misjudging someone's influence or authority can lead to ineffective decision-making and a lack of understanding of the power dynamics.
The Power-Sort Exercise was developed based on the idea that understanding the power dynamics within an organization is crucial for effective decision-making and increasing influence.
Source · BOOK
Designing Your Work Life