“There is much complexity behind Power, but I like to look at the simple opposite – compliance. Why do people comply with Power? What motivates people to allow others Power? It might be the promise of riches, a share in the Power, or meeting other personal needs. It might be part of a plot to form a coup to wrest Power from the incumbent. All forms of personal feelings and politics are involved.

From a business point of view I find understanding of compliance far more rewarding than understanding of Power. From the reasons for compliance you learn about personal motivation and reward.

You have Power because other people allow it, expecting you to use it for their benefit. Believing that you created the Power for yourself is a well defined route to failure.

Finally, your ambition for harmony and common goals also needs to be interpreted from personal motivation. No matter how common the goals may look to a leader, each individual will interpret them in a personal way which can only be discovered by constant communication; i.e. listening.”

Would you countenance the sacrifice of your teenage son to resolve the threat faced by Winston Churchill?

Would you have volunteered to do the same for Tony Blair?

(not precise comparisons – the first was conscription, but you can rewrite the rules to make a point)

Which of these two Prime Ministers would you consider to have been the more avaricious for Power? Who truly had compliance?”

See the details of our event on Power

Join the discussion: What are the positive uses of power in business? What examples do you have of its use in creating success?