YOU HAVE POWER!

Colleagues,

MVP: Referent power is strongest. All powers entail an ethical relationship between the influencer and the influenced.
 
Mentors.
 
Mentors influence us.
 
Mentors hold tremendous power with us.
 
The form of power is referent. It is the power of respect and admiration, the desire to emulate and to please.
 
One of the really cool things about referent power is that the person upon who it is wielded is the one who gave the power to the wielder. 
 
In other words, people only have referent power because we give them permission – gladly.
 
Referent power is the single strongest form of power.
 
Yesterday I asked you to think about why I kept using the word power instead of just saying influence. Three reasons:

• You should understand the seriousness of intentionally trying to influence others.
• I want you to see your own power and to feel powerful, especially if you aren’t the top dog. Four of the forms of power we discussed are non-hierarchical, meaning anyone can wield them; meaning, YOU HAVE POWER!
• Influence comes from power which leaders exercise and therefore leaders have an ethical obligation to care for those they serve.

 
Today’s intention: This is another week in which I am not sure how the messages will land. I believe today’s message is extremely important, but I’m not sure if I’ve lost people along the way. If you have a suggestion or words of encouragement, I would appreciate hearing from you. Email me by replying to this message.

Cheers!

Frederick