Find the Leader in You

AIC-Appreciation, Influence, and Control

The three power fields (appreciation, influence, and control), are created by purpose.  Every purpose no matter how small or large, creates the same three power fields.  Leaders, who utilize the three power fields and remain well balanced in each field, are exponentially more effective.  Leaders should strive to maintain equal power in each of the fields.  Below, I will explain each field in more depth, and examples of how you can utilize the three power fields in nursing to become a respectable leader. 

The Appreciative Phase

 

 Encourages us to transcend our current perception/beliefs of a situation to be open to a larger perception of our possibilities and have a deeper awareness of our realities.  The appreciative phase allows you to relate to others in an open-minded and accepting way. 

Examples of how to utilize this in nursing include continuing education, listening to our patients and co-workers and respecting their cultural/spiritual beliefs, and discovering new and improved ways to do things through evidenced based practice. 

The Influence Phase

 

In situation where we do not have control, influence gives us power with others and allows us to use our values to engage supporting and opposing forces in a dialogue that facilitates the choice of the most effective strategies.  You find the give-and-take of both collaboration and competition attractive. 

Examples of how you can use the influence phase in nursing include displaying strong values, sharing your thoughts and beliefs with co-workers and managers, asking for advice from others, and working with a dynamic team. 

The Control Phase

 

Creates individual goals (purpose at the control level) that give form to our purpose.  The goals specify the resources and the time races necessary to achieve the purpose.  This phase calls on our capacities to act and reflect. 

Examples of how to utilize this in nursing include completing tasks, setting career goals, implementing change, creating projects, and working independently.

To create your own individualized AIC map, visit www.aic-3.com

My AIC Results

My AIC results were somewhat of a surprise to me.  I scored high in the Appreciative category, being 40% of my power.  Some of my Appreciative strengths include enlightenments, wisdom, and love. 

My second preference was the Influence power, with 36%.  My Influential strengths include technology, economics, and authenticity. 

Lastly, my Control power was scored as 24%.  My strengths in the Control category include negotiation, quality, and policy.  These results show that maybe I am too reliant on others’ opinions, and that I need to improve my Control powers by making decisions more independently.