Power-Seeking Behaviors
Characteristics of Power-Seekers
1. Power-seeking students constantly
challenge their teachers.
2. These students like to be in charge.
3. They disregard directions or use
colorful language as a challenge to
our authority.
2 Types of Power-Seekers
Active
Passive
Active Power-Seeks
Tantrums are the most obvious form
of power-seeking behaviors for
youngsters.
Older students tend to throw verbal
tantrums, often termed “sass”.
Strategy for Active Power-seekers
1. Tantrums require an
audience. Walk away and
remove the class.
2. When given “sass”, do not
join in to the power
struggle.
Passive Power-Seekers
1. Quiet Noncompliance
2. Hiding Behind a Label
(learned helplessness)
3. The Lazy Label
4. The Forgetful Label
5. The Short Attention-Span Label
6. The Underachieving Label
Characteristics of Power-Seekers
Power Clue 1: Their behavior makes us feel
angry, frustrated, and perhaps fearful that
you will loose control of the class.
Power Clue 2: You feel like “fighting back with
words”.
Power Clue 3: Power behaviors are longer
lasting…and more difficult to change.
Prevention is the key!
1. Allow voice and choice—to many, having
their say is as important as having their way.
2. Grant legitimate power.—using the
hands-joined management style.
3. Delegate responsibility– give
constructive ways to use power.
Let’s Put It Into Practice!
In a small group, practice the skills
you learned in this module. Take turns
being the teacher.
-- passive laziness
--disability excuses
--attention excuses
--prevention strategies