7 Rules of Power

1. Power is a tool that can be mastered through strategic behaviors

"Power is a tool. Like many or maybe most tools, power, once mastered, can be used to accomplish great things, horrendously terrible things, and everything in between."

Power is learnable. Contrary to popular belief, power is not an innate trait but a set of skills and behaviors that can be developed. Research shows that political skill is one of the strongest predictors of career success, associated with higher compensation, more promotions, and greater job satisfaction.

Power is necessary for change. To effect meaningful change in organizations and society, individuals need to acquire and wield power effectively. Without power, even the best ideas and intentions may fail to materialize.

Power requires strategy. Acquiring and maintaining power involves:

• Understanding organizational dynamics
• Building influential relationships
• Projecting confidence and competence
• Making strategic decisions about when to conform and when to stand out

2. Get out of your own way by overcoming self-limiting beliefs

"If you do not think of yourself as powerful, competent, and deserving, it is likely that, in subtle and possibly not-so-subtle ways, you will communicate this self-assessment to others."

Recognize self-imposed limitations. Many people, especially those from underrepresented groups, suffer from imposter syndrome or internalized beliefs about their lack of deservingness. These self-limiting beliefs can become self-fulfilling prophecies.

Reframe your self-narrative. To overcome these limitations:

• Focus on your strengths and accomplishments
• Use empowering language when describing yourself
• Challenge negative self-talk with evidence of your capabilities
• Seek feedback from trusted mentors to gain a more balanced perspective

Take calculated risks. Stepping outside your comfort zone and taking on challenges that stretch your abilities can help build confidence and demonstrate your potential to others.

3. Break rules strategically to stand out and gain advantages

"Different people are willing to do different things in order to succeed. Just because you won't network, or flatter, or self-promote, certainly does not mean that all of your competitors will be as circumspect."

Understand the power of norm violation. Breaking rules or social norms can signal power and create perceptions of status. Research shows that those who violate norms are often seen as more powerful and influential.

Be strategic in rule-breaking. Not all rules should be broken. Consider:

• Which rules are arbitrary or outdated
• Where bending rules can create significant advantages
• How to mitigate potential negative consequences

Examples of strategic rule-breaking:

• Asking for things beyond your current status
• Taking initiative without explicit permission
• Challenging conventional wisdom in your field
• Creating opportunities rather than waiting for them

4. Project power through body language, speech, and appearance

"How you 'show up' is important, maybe even determinative, of your career trajectory, how much power and status others accord you, and whether you keep your job."

Master nonverbal cues. Research shows that powerful individuals exhibit specific body language patterns:

• Open posture
• Expansive gestures
• Direct eye contact
• Controlled movements

Speak with authority. Powerful speech is characterized by:

• Clear, concise language
• Minimal hedging words or fillers
• Declarative statements rather than questions
• Strategic use of pauses for emphasis

Cultivate a powerful appearance. While you can't change your physical features, you can:

• Dress appropriately for your desired status
• Pay attention to grooming and personal presentation
• Develop a signature style that helps you stand out positively

5. Build a powerful personal brand to enhance your influence

"Your task: think of a short (two- or three-sentence) way of describing yourself and your accomplishments that brings together your expertise, your experience (what you have done), and a way of integrating that with some aspect of your personal story."

Develop a compelling narrative. Your personal brand should:

• Highlight your unique strengths and experiences
• Demonstrate how your background makes you especially suited for your goals
• Be authentic and memorable

Communicate your brand consistently. Use various channels to reinforce your brand:

• Professional social media profiles
• Personal website or blog
• Speaking engagements or writing opportunities
• Networking events and professional associations

Take credit strategically. Don't assume others will notice your accomplishments. Learn to:

• Document and communicate your successes
• Frame your achievements in terms of value added
• Share credit with others while highlighting your role

6. Network relentlessly to expand your sphere of influence

"Who you know, and how many people you know, matters for your influence and for your career."

Prioritize relationship-building. Research shows that individuals who spend more time networking achieve greater career success. Aim to dedicate 8-10 hours per week to professional networking.

Leverage weak ties. While strong relationships are valuable, weak ties often provide:

• Access to diverse information and opportunities
• Bridges to new social circles
• Increased creativity and innovation

Create value for others. Effective networking is not transactional but mutually beneficial:

• Offer help and resources to others in your network
• Connect people who can benefit from knowing each other
• Share valuable information or insights

Be strategic in your networking efforts:

• Identify key individuals or groups that align with your goals
• Attend industry events and conferences
• Utilize online platforms to maintain and expand your network

7. Use power proactively to accomplish goals and maintain position

"Using power is often necessary, as organizations are generally beset with varying degrees and forms of inertia, so improvement requires altering existing ways of doing things."

Act quickly when in a new position. The early days in a role often provide a window of opportunity to make significant changes before opposition can coalesce.

Use power to bring in supporters. Strategically:

• Hire or promote individuals aligned with your vision
• Build coalitions to support your initiatives
• Remove or neutralize potential opponents

Institutionalize your power. Create structures that reinforce your position:

• Establish decision-making processes that favor your strengths
• Develop unique expertise or relationships that make you indispensable
• Control key resources or information flows

Demonstrate willingness to use power. Signaling that you're prepared to wield power can often prevent challenges to your authority.

8. Success often excuses past actions taken to acquire power

"Success—money and power—takes care of many presumed sins, causing others to ignore, forget, or otherwise overlook or rationalize wrongdoing."

Understand the "Matthew Effect." Success tends to breed more success through:

• Increased access to resources and opportunities
• Greater ability to attract talented collaborators
• Enhanced visibility and positive assumptions about future performance

Recognize cognitive biases that favor the powerful:

• Confirmation bias: People seek information that confirms their existing beliefs about successful individuals
• Just-world hypothesis: The tendency to believe that people deserve their outcomes, leading to rationalization of successful people's actions

Navigate the ethical landscape carefully. While past actions may be excused by success:

• Be aware of potential reputational risks
• Consider long-term consequences of unethical behavior
• Strive to build power through ethical means when possible

Last updated: February 4, 2025