Power is broader than you think

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We often talk about ‘political power’ but not so overtly when it comes to the workplace, it doesn’t feel right somehow. The word ‘influence’ is used with greater comfort. Some people are more at ease with the whole concept than others.

Last week I ran a session on navigating ‘Office Politics’ and invariably the topic of power and influence came up. Mostly, we think of power as positional at work and indeed positional is an extremely important one. There are a range of different types of power, so ways that people have influence over others though - examples include ‘proxy’ power – consider a PA who can get you access (or not) to the CEO, CFO etc. Or, charisma power, so someone who has influence because of how they engage with others.

It's important to be aware of different types of power you may have as well as being able to identify the power others have

Knowing how to navigate the workplace – understanding different people and the dynamics at play is key to success at work – both each day and in terms of your longer term career prospects.

Use my free to download ‘Types of power sheet’ to help you consider the different types of power you and those around you at work have.

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You'll find more on working with others including key relationship building skills and many more topics to help you navigate the workplace and progress your career in my book Getting On: Making work work - available from anywhere that sells books - for ease here is the Amazon link and the link for a signed copy.