Power (is it a dirty word?)
The perception of power might be large and loud however is that really effective.
From the book “48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene we learn that some of the most interesting initiatives are by no means loud. One of his primary laws is to say as little as possible, let your actions speak for you. Be comfortable with silence and then when you do need to say something imagine you are a hawk swooping in with one powerful sound bite. Perfect your timing as to when you say your key “nugget”, and above all limit the words you use – less is more.
We are guilty of getting too emotionally attached to a position, however we will be more powerful if we let go of the ties. The politician who does not always vote for his party is more powerful than the member who follows the crowd.
Another way to be powerful is not to over share. Apple are very good at hiding from their competitors and the world what their next product will be. Concealing your intentions holds a great deal of power. Say little about your processes and your achievements will appear effortless. Your audience/clients will have the “wow” effect of something achieved and do not necessarily need to know the journey.
Power is the ability to be audacious, believing anything is possible. This might be achieved by a compelling spectacle or taking on big companies.
In the 2020 US Presidential Election there were more candidates than usual. The audacity of the Senators and Governors who put themselves forward, did not lead to securing a candidate position, but it elevated their position in their home state.
Software firm owner Nigel Cannings, from Twickenham, took on Tesco with a publicity campaign to force them to stop making night deliveries near his home. He gave up two to three hours every week over the course of two years to work on the campaign with a successful end result.
Power is not about attaching yourself to a role.
“ Don’t accept the roles that society foists on you, be the master of your own image, rather than others define it for you” – Robert Greene
He explains that if we are formless, that we constantly recreate ourselves, we don’t represent one position, one view or identity. We will foster more power by evolving, new thinking and embracing change. We all know that change is inevitable and when people around you display instability you will be perceived as powerful with your calm personae attached to change.
Finally to truly be powerful you must not seek it or want it. Never appear power hungry and never make power moves.
The quiet and intrinsic power is within you.
Please do get in touch for one to one coaching bev@nuggetsoflearning.co.uk
