Power People Possess

Influence

The best way people possess power is through influence. Being influential stems from a strength from within you that invites people to listen to what you have to say and get them to want to work with you. They are intentional. You can spot someone who is influential by how ready for action they are in their work and life. They prioritize what needs to be done and choose their words with care — when it comes to influencing, words matter! 

• Influencers connect—Anyone who is influential welcomes and includes others. They use their leadership skills to enhance the lives of others. 
• Influencers are resilient—The influential person is aware that things don’t always go as planned. When the unexpected happens, they always have a back-up plan. 
• Influencers are life-long learners—They will never tell you they’ve arrived, because they are aware that there is always something new to learn as well as a new area to develop within them. 

The difference between power and influence is power forces a person to do something — whereas influence helps a person see power within themselves.

Power Hungry People

The power hungry person is often self centered and controlling People crave power when they feel they have been deprived of it, they are full of pride or unforgiveness, or to mask their own insecurity. People use this type of power of fill a void in their life.

There are three primary reasons people crave power which are: a desire for attention, their desire for recognition and a need to be heard. Power is a means, just like money, and people who see power as an end do so only to influence the behavior of another. They become dependent upon the actions of those they try to control. They do this by using what we call Power Tactics!

Power Tactics

There are nine clever power tactics people can exercise that move people to carry out specific actions which are:

• Rational – A tactic that is used to convince someone to do something using logic or facts.
• Inspirational – A tactic that builds enthusiasm by appealing to emotions, ideas and values.
• Consultation – A tactic that focuses on getting others to participate in the planning process, making decisions, and encourage changes.
• Ingratiation –A tactic that emphasizes on building a relationship prior to making a request. 
• Flattery –A tactic that makes a person vulnerable while making a request.
• Exchange– A tactic that exchanges one favor for another.
• Coalition –A tactic that is used to gain the support of others.
• Pressure– A tactic that makes a demand on an individual.
• Duress –A tactic that calls for intimidation, threats or undue influence.

Power-hungry people want to control everything and everyone. They hover over people because they have no faith in them. For this reason, they continually apply pressure until the individual is convinced that their way is best. They use their authority and/or legitimacy to prove their power over the individual.

• Legitimacy is a power where you apply skills to out-whit your peers.
• Authoritive is a power where you exercise your position or status over your peers. 

Networking Power

Not all power is bad - especially when you put it towards the common good. Networking power is a tool developed by people who are invested in their personal and professional lives These people are always looking for solutions to complex issues. They also seek new opportunities and have access to multiple resources. Not only do they have the connections, they also seem to have a photographic memory capable of remembering what the strengths and weaknesses are of everyone in their network. 

Building Power 

Building power is a power where you invest in the building of others. By building others, you give them the opportunity to apply their skills and to lead. In conclusion, it is best to use your power or influence to build the lives of others, and have them carry your shared values in a way that enables or allows them to be themselves.

#InTheSkinny

Ⓒ 2023 Maria A Morton All Rights Reserved