In the years since my first encounter with the book, I have done quite a bit of research on power and how to best use it to get what I want. I have encountered other friends, acquaintances, and colleagues who pulled out various laws of power to guide their interactions with me. All of these things made me realize that I must not only study the 48 Laws of Power, but I must share my thoughts, lessons, and experiences with others. When you recognize that how one is behaving toward you is a law of power it can help you in your interactions with those using the laws of power against you. This article is the first in a series of articles that will examine each of the laws of power and discuss how power can be used without intentionally setting out to harm others.
I remain committed to the idea that power is important and has good and valid uses both in life and in business. Entrepreneurs who want to remain in business must find ways to use power and increase the power they have at their disposal. It is the wise use of power that is the difference between an entrepreneur and her business being hated and being respected. In your business dealings, do not shy away from power because some think of power badly. If you are going to be in business and succeed, you must learn to use power and to use it well.
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If you would like to read more from this blog about power, check out the following:
Here is a complete listing of the laws of power ( https://www.janeanesworld.com/10940-2/) in case you are not familiar with them.
Law 1 Never Outshine the Master
Law 2 Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn to Use Enemies
Law 3 Conceal Your Intentions
Law 4 Always say less than necessary related posts
Law 5 So much depends on reputation – guard it with your life
Law 6 Court attention at all costs
Law 7 Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit
Law 8 – Make other people come to you – use bait if necessary
Law 9 – Win through your actions, never through argument
Law 10 – Infection: avoid the unhappy and unlucky
Law 11 – Learn to keep people dependent on you
Law 12 – Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim
Law 13 – When asking for help, appeal to people’s self interest, never to their mercy or gratitude
Law 14 – Pose as a friend, work as a spy
Law 15 – Crush your enemy totally
Law 16 – Use absence to increase respect and honor
Law 17 – Keep others in suspended terror: cultivate an air of unpredictability
Law 18 – Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself – Isolation is Dangerous
Law 19 – Know who you’re dealing with – do not offend the wrong person
Law 20 – Do not commit to anyone
Law 21 – Play a sucker to catch a sucker – seem dumber than your mark
Law 22 – Use the surrender tactic – transform weakness into power
Law 23 – Concentrate your forces
Law 24 – Play the perfect courtier
Law 25 – Re-create yourself
Law 26 – Keep your hands clean
Law 27 – Play on people’s need to believe to create a cult like following
Law 28 – Enter action with boldness
Law 29 – Plan all the way to the end
Law 30 – Make your accomplishments seem effortless
Law 31 – Control the options: get others to play with the cards you deal
Law 32 – Play to people’s fantasies
Law 33 – Discover each man’s thumbscrew
Law 34 – Be royal in your own fashion: act like a king to be treated like one
Law 35 – Master the art of timing
Law 36 – Disdain things you cannot have: ignoring them is the best revenge
Law 37 – Create compelling spectacles
Law 38 – Think as you like but behave like others
Law 39 – Stir up waters to catch fish
Law 40 – Despise the free lunch
Law 41 – Avoid stepping into a great man’s shoes
Law 42 – Strike the shepherd and the sheep wll scatter
Law 43 – Work on the hearts and minds of others
Law 44 – Disarm and infuriate with the mirror effect
Law 45 – Preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once
Law 46 – Never appear too perfect
Law 47 – Do not go past the mark you aimed for; in victory learn when to stop
Law 48 – Assume formlessness
The idea of power raises many questions. This terrific day, what are your responses to the following questions? When you sit at your office and think about power and how to use it, what thoughts go through your mind? Do you seek out ways to use power? Do you have a plan for how to increase the power you and your business possess?
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Very informative. I just have to figure out what my talents are, sometimes I think I know and I doubt myself!
It was sad to have that experience with a friend. But, as you said, it is good I came across the book and have learned some new techniques to exercise my own power and to fight against improper exercises of power from others.
You can still exercise power even if you are shy and introverted. You will not be loud and boisterous in word or deed, but you can be determined, stubborn and persistent in reaching your goals. That is power as well.
Start claiming the power you have. You have the talent and desire to grow your business I wish you every success as you move ahead.
Thanks. I am looking forward to writing it and to exploring the idea of power over the course of the next 48 weeks.
Consistency is a great word. When we are consistent we can be trusted and relied upon.
Power is precious and regenerative. We can give it away and we can take it back.
The important thing for shy people to remember is that power does not have to be loud. Power can be exercised quietly and comfortably.
Eeyikes to the end of the post. I’m sorry you had to experience it, but maybe it was good that you came across the book.
I definitely don’t embrace my power. I am shy, insecure and introverted. This is something I’m really trying to work on in 2016!
I want to do some growing in my own freelance stuff this year so this is timely for me. I want to feel empowered to get it done!
This looks like a great series to work more on empowering yourself and understanding business from a different angle.
It’s so true that power is not necessarily what you would think it is. So important to be powerful in your own business – and your own life.
Inspiring and empowering post!
This is a great post, some people might define it differently and truly abuse it.
Inspiring post. Power isn’t something though I had or could have in a business sense. Very inspiring..
Power-wielding employers have a responsibility to use it wisely. It’s very disappointing to find out that something hurtful was done intentionally to protect what someone considers a power source.
Great food for thought. Power is a concept I haven’t really applied to myself in a business setting.
Maybe my word of the year next year will be powerful. This year it’s consistency. I know I have more than I think and I haven’t been using it very well.
You have some great advice here for business owners or business people. I don’t think I am utilizing any power now that I am at home with my kiddos.
Great read! I definitely am a shy person who has not embraced her power! This gives me something to think about, especially as I’m seeking ways to increase my income.
I think it is so important to learn how to be powerful in your own business. This is awesome advice.