NAVIGATING POWER DYNAMICS IN MARINE ENGINEERING TEAMS 1. Power dynamics are critical to the efficiency, cohesiveness, and morale of any marine engineering team, particularly in a structured and disciplined setting like as the Sri Lanka Navy. As marine engineers, we work in environments with elevated risks where teamwork, trust, and leadership are very much essential. Here's how Sri Lanka Navy approaches to create a more balanced and effective team: a. Lead with Respect and Purpose: While rank and hierarchy are important in the military, effective leadership extends beyond power. Leaders must win respect by demonstrating expertise, fairness, and mentorship, making junior engineers and ratings feel appreciated and empowered.(1/3)

Dealing with power struggles in a marine engineering team can happen when there are unclear roles, mixed leadership approaches, or some people having more influence than others. To resolve this, it's key to encourage open communication, clarify everyone's responsibilities, and create a more cooperative atmosphere.

Power dynamics can significantly impact the effectiveness and morale of your marine engineering team. Addressing these issues requires a thoughtful approach to ensure everyone feels valued and heard. Encourage open communication, allowing team members to express their concerns and ideas freely. Promote a culture of respect and inclusivity, where every contribution is acknowledged. Provide opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring equal access for all. Lead with empathy and fairness, setting a positive example. Regularly assess the team’s dynamics and make adjustments as needed. With these steps, you can create a harmonious and productive environment where everyone thrives.

Power dynamics according to heirarchy flows vertically mostly be it a ship or a shore office . There should be a dynamic balance depending on context and ranks. Let us consider following conditions 1. During critical, emergency situations, the instructions must flow from top to bottom with on site reporting from bottom upwards. 2. During day to day work and plan, allow participation of all ranks. Discuss, listen, and the top ranker should take an informed decision on plan and implementation. By involving all levels in discussion, suggestion, this approach make junior colleagues worth of themselves and in turn enriches them. In order to control, do not over restrict and at tge same time monitor and correct if required.

Use consensus building techniques to ensure that decisions are made collectively, rather than by a single authority figure. Where appropriate, use voting or other democratic processes to make decisions, ensuring that everyone has an equal say. Implement anonymous feedback mechanisms to allow team members to voice concerns about power dynamics without fear of repercussions.