What is power?
Power can be defined as the ability to influence other people in a positive or negative way. There are two ways through which this can be accomplished: through force or through influence. Force can be used to coerce others into doing something, while influence can be used to persuade others to do something.
There’s a great quote popularized by Spider-Man Comics. You might have heard it.
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
Uncle Ben, from the Spider-Man Comics.
This quote/proverb was Uncle Ben’s advice to Peter Parker. The idea in this quote is quite simple, it’s that power cannot simply be enjoyed for the privileges it gives but it makes the holder of the power morally responsible about the things they do with the power, or what they fail to do with it.
Power plays a significant part when working with others. The holder of power can either simply influence you into doing something out of loyalty and free will or they can force you into doing what they want you to do by blackmailing, threatening, and coercing them.
These are the two ways to use your power; influencing and coercing. Let’s look deeper into both ways of exercising power.
- Influence
I should say, this is probably the better way of exercising your power out of the two. Here’s why I think that: First of all, when you “influence” someone, you make them do it out of their free will and loyalty to you. This is helpful because (a.) Your relationship will last longer. (b.) They won’t feel bossed around and might even respect you. (c) If they have high respect for you they might put some more effort into what you want them to do.
The only disadvantage I can think of Influence would be the fact that the other party wouldn’t do what you are saying if it contradicts their needs, priorities and beliefs.
- Coercing
Coercing is more a short-term solution than a long-term one. You threaten them and blackmail them and they will do it for you instantly but your relationship with that person will die out very quickly. They won’t respect you and won’t do their work as enthusiastically as someone who respects you and has been influenced not coerced.
Basically the complete opposite of using your influence. The only good thing about forcing someone to do something for you is that you might recieve everything quickly because of their fear for you.
Oh and one more thing. It is possible to influence someone with superior power over you. However, it isn’t possible to force someone to do something for you if they have more power than you.
In conclusion, the most effective way to increase your power is to do things that increase your reputation and influence.