Power comes in many forms.
Formal power is usually quite tangible. Budgets, status and resource control are the most notable.
These sources of power give in readable capacity to influence, which is fine for getting the job done.
However, all of these sources are bestowed on the holder, through promotion, re-structure, strategic decisions and such like.
And all that is given, can also be taken away.
Personal power is a very different matter, because it is generally under the ownership and control of the individual. They are in control of the gain, and loss.
Things like qualifications, relationships, know-how, track-record, reputation, all provide exceptional capacity to influence.
Not only are these largely independent of a benefactor, they are also transferable. You can take them with you, wherever you go.
What I can guarantee, is that if you have formal power and no personal power, you’ll not be there long. Build personal power while acquiring formal power and your will endure.
And it could be argued, that you will be unlikely to get much formal power without first developing your personal power.
What can you do in the next year to dramatically increase your personal power?
More about Personal Power
- How to Develop Your Personal Power
- Exercise: What Personal Power Do You Have?
- Seven Sources of Power Explained
The Gautrey Influence Blog
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