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Power in the workplace is an often confusing and yet envied attribute in Managers, Executives and Leaders. People lust for and some would do just about anything for "Power".  Have you ever asked yourself:
     If I only had the "Power" to"? or
     How did he/she get all of that "Power"?

In this blog we'll explore getting "Power" in the workplace.  During my career I've learned that there are really only 4 ways to get "Power".  You can:
     1. Buy It
     2. Earn It
     3. Take It by force or
     4. Win It thru charisma

Now, I know some folks, both male and female, that honestly believe giving or withholding "Sex", e.g. "sleeping with the boss", and or using the "casting couch" in Hollywood, is another way to get "Power" over people.  But I've learned that "Sex" is really just another form of charisma.

Here are some examples of "getting power" in these 4 ways:

Buy it:  A good example of buying power is the traditional Employer/Employee relationship.  The Boss has power over the Employee because they pay their salary.  Companies also buy power by acquiring another company's stock or assets.  People buy others cooperation in many ways.

Earn it:  In many workplaces your Supervisor, Manager, Director, Vice President, President, CEO or Chairman of the Board has probably earned the power they have legitimately by working their way up the ranks and getting promoted by their bosses, peers, shareholders, or board of directors.   The "Owner" has the power because they took the Entrepreneurial risks to start the company.  Presidents or Prime Ministers in democracies follow the rules to "earn" the power that they have over us... However, some recently have argued that they actually "bought it"; but that is a whole other subject.  In families, the Mom or Dad have the power because they "make the rules"...

Take it:  Taking power by force is what wars are all about; getting power over another country or group of people by force using their armies, navies or threats thereof.  Taking it, is normally how Dictators get power, although there are notable exceptions.  Terrorists for example frequently get power over people by taking it by force or through threats of force and intimidation tactics.  

Win it:  Sometimes people get power over others not by buying it, earning it or taking it by force.  The power is given to them voluntarily by their followers because the leader wins it.  In the workplace a "Peer Leader" is an example of winning power, because the other "peers" have given that individual power over them because of their leadership skills or knowledge. 

There are many examples of charismatic leaders in spiritual and religious followings such as Jesus, Mohammed, Isaiah, Buddha, Confucius, Moses, Martin Luther, John Wesley, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young,  Mary Baker Eddy and the list goes on.  Plus many Philosophers, Scientists, Composers, Poets, Painters, Famous Novelists, Famous Men and Famous Women have gained their power solely thru their charisma and tenacity.   

There are also many examples of this charismatic leadership power in the Civil Rights movements such as as Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and others.  Then there are the Pop Artists like the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Cher, Britney Spears, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, etc, Sports Heroes or War Heroes, too numerous to mention here, and others who have earned their power over their "fans" because of their exceptional talents or heroism.

We'd love to hear your takes on how people gain power in the workplace.  Please share your thoughts or questions on "Power" by leaving a comment here or by sending a private email. 

Dave Westfall is a Business Coach, Internet Marketing Consultant, Speaker and Trainer who provides solid advice and proven solutions creating small business transitions for growth and change.  For more information or to follow or connect please visit Dave online . 

All the best,

Dave Westfall, MBA
email:  davewestfall@dewpointe.com

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Categories: Management