January 18, 2011
Three Laws of Power You Must Obey
BY John Paul Narowski IN Small Business 0 Comment
Power is like gravity; you can’t see it, it’s always there and pretending its rules don’t apply to you will only lead to a great deal of pain.
You can choose to ignore it’s presence but doing so will put you at a disadvantage to those who understand and have mastered this universal dance.
Business is the most common arena where people experience the endless ebb and flow of power. Power and the strategies that come along with using it, don’t have to be negative or underhanded.
You can ethically use and manipulate the different aspects and functions of power to better yourself, your company and your clients.
The following is pulled from Robert Greene’s best seller, The 48 Laws of Power, and represents the most important rules you must understand if you are looking to further your career, increase your sales, be a better manager, start your own company or become a better worker.
Law 5: So Much Depends on Reputation- Guard it With Your Life
“Reputation is the cornerstone of power. Make your reputation unassailable. Always be alert to potential attacks and thwart them before they happen”
In every line of work, you want to make sure your reputation is secure and people know that you will do what you say. While you may make a couple of extra bucks on this deal or that one, what you lose by sacrificing your business reputation will far outweigh that gain.
Everyone’s here to make money, we all know that. But that doesn’t mean you have to be underhanded with people and violate their trust.
Law 6: Court Attention at All Cost
“Everything is judged by appearance; what is unseen counts for nothing. Never let yourself get lost in the crowd, then, or buried in oblivion. Stand out. Be conspicuous, at all cost. Make yourself a magnet of attention by appearing larger, more colorful, more mysterious than the bland and timid masses.”
While you should avoid being flashy or obnoxious, standing out for good reasons is the best way to move up through the ranks. Being willing to go above and beyond is the best way to get noticed and stand out from the rest of the cubicle drones.
Law 7: Get Others to do the Work for You, but Always Take the Credit.
“Use the wisdom, knowledge and legwork of others to further your own cause. Not only will such assistance save you valuable time and energy, it will give you a god like aura of efficiency and speed.”
We have talked a lot about automation tools and outsourcing on this blog, and that is what this rule is all about. No matter your occupation or situation, time is the most valuable commodity you have. Make the most of it by delegating tasks that don’t further your big picture goals is the smart thing to do.
The key is to never explain to people how you do what you do. Keep your trade secrets, processes and plans to yourself and let the “Miracle Worker” myth grow. Otherwise, you could find yourself replaced by a cheaper substitute or have competition muscle in on your market.
