Power: Why Some People Have It And Others Don't

The biggest barrier to having power is ourselves. We are often not willing to do what it takes or make the necessary trade-offs to have power. We limit ourselves by being afraid to take chances or to fail. Many people follow the well-trodden paths of their predecessors, choosing to go to the same firms that hire all the best and brightest from their schools. But why not find a niche instead? This is what competitive strategy teaches us, after all.

We worry excessively about what others, particularly our peers, think about us. We want to be liked by everybody, or even loved. But here's the thing: our peers are also our competitors. In a highly competitive world, we need to think about our peers in different ways. We should be willing to take chances and accept the hierarchical differences that exist in the world. We need to acknowledge that others have the right to tell us what to do in certain contexts.

Our Uncomfortable Relationship with Hierarchy

We live in a hierarchical world, yet many of us are uncomfortable with hierarchy. We rebel against hierarchical authority and don't like having people tell us what to do. We struggle to accept status and hierarchical differences. However, it's important to recognize that hierarchy is inherent in our society, and we need to learn to navigate it to succeed.

In fact, it takes real political skill to succeed when you lack the usual attributes of intelligence, interpersonal competence, and success. We should be open to learning from all kinds of people, even those who may not seem skilled on the surface. They may have something valuable to teach us about how to maneuver and succeed in different situations.

The Illusion of a Just World

We tend to see the world as fair and just, which makes us less strategic and vigilant than we should be. We believe that bad behavior will always catch up with those who engage in it. However, the reality is that the world is not always fair or just. This is why every religious tradition has some form of account balancing scheme, whether it's heaven and hell, reincarnation, or karma.

Because we believe in a just world, we often fail to pay attention to the more interesting people in our organizations. We dismiss them, thinking that their bad behavior will eventually lead to their downfall. But by doing so, we miss out on valuable lessons and perspectives that could enhance our own understanding and growth.

The Price of Power

Having power comes at a price. Successful people often have to work very hard and make sacrifices in their personal lives. They may have to work long hours or interact with people they may not necessarily want to interact with. Building strategic relationships and making strategic choices becomes crucial in the pursuit of power.

If we want to have power, we need to be willing to put in the effort, dedicate our time strategically, and focus on building the necessary relationships for success. This means being willing to interact with people who can help us achieve our goals rather than solely spending time with our close friends. Developing weak ties and venturing outside of our comfort zones can provide us with non-redundant information and opportunities.

In conclusion, the biggest barrier to having power is often ourselves. We must be willing to take chances, accept hierarchical differences, and make the necessary trade-offs to acquire power. We need to move away from the illusion of a just world and be open to learning from all kinds of people, even those who may not appear impressive at first glance. Ultimately, having power comes at a price, but it is a price worth paying if we want to achieve our goals and make a difference in the world.