The Elements of Power: Lessons on Leadership and Influence

"The Elements of Power does an exceptional job of explaining the critical sources of power in any type of organization, how to build power, and how easy it is to diminish power once it is established. Through tangible examples, this book provides ways to better identify and understand how to fundamentally strengthen one's organizational impact at all levels." --- Vicki Rawlinson, Global Head HR Oncology, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

"Terry Bacon breaks down the sources of power and influence at a very granular level, allowing readers greater insight into both sides of the `Midas Touch'---use and abuse."--- Rahm Sitaraman, EAG Franchise Leadership Development Director, Coca-Cola

"If you've ever wished that someone would pull back the curtain so you could learn from the use (or abuse) of power by the likes of Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Eliot Spitzer, Indra Nooyi, Rahm Emanuel, Warren Buffett, and Jeff Bezos, your wish has been granted. The Elements of Power neatly dissects the art and science of influence and leadership as practiced by leaders from every part of the globe."--- Tom Connellan, bestselling author of Inside the Magic Kingdom

"Terry Bacon brings his deep knowledge and a wonderful, wide-ranging sense of curiosity to breaking down this abstract concept---power---into easily understood parts. All readers, but especially business executives, will come away with an invaluable understanding of what power cells are inside their personal battery packs and how to keep them fully charged."--- Gary Burnison, CEO, Korn/Ferry International

Power is the fuel that drives your ability to influence and lead. Throughout history, those skilled at wielding personal and organizational power have been able to lead and motivate others, change minds, shape and create movements, influence social trends, and harness others' energies. In the business world, the most powerful leaders drive new initiatives, build high-performing teams, and guide their organizations toward the successful accomplishment of their missions. In fact, if you want to make a difference in any realm of life, you must have power---and the more powerful you are, the more influential you will be.

But "power" isn't simply a matter of authority or position. Some managers fail to influence others effectively despite their leadership positions...while others who may have little official status seem to lead and inspire those around them effortlessly, and continually accomplish great things. What sources of power enable them to do this? And how can you build and use your own sources of power?

Based on groundbreaking research, The Elements of Power reveals where power comes from, how it works, and how you can tap into it to achieve your own personal and professional goals, with people of any age and in any part of the world. You'll learn the difference between compliance and commitment, the foundations of agreement, and the different sources of power, including:

Your ability to access, organize, interpret, and disseminate information The power of rhetoric and personal expressiveness Your use of personal history, relationship, and trust Interpersonal attractiveness and bonding based on your chemistry with others how others perceive your character, depending on how you exemplify standards of behavior for your group your organizational role and status, and your command over resources whom you "know" within your network how others judge your reputation

With revealing case stories, insightful examples, and practical tips and techniques you can use immediately to increase your own personal sources of power, this indispensable book will open your eyes to the myriad possibilities that already lie within your sphere of influence. Filled with dynamic strategies for leading and influencing all those around you, The Elements of Power is the guidebook you can bank on for leadership success.