The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines power as (among other definitions) “possession of control, authority, or influence over others”. Nothing terribly shocking there. But it’s worth digging into how power induces that influence. There’s the obvious, overt “Do this thing because I said to do the thing.” We’re all familiar with that one. But there’s also a different form of influence that comes not from influencing people, but circumstance. And on any given day, this informal power is far more likely to cause you grief. By Reading This Post, You Will Learn The definitions of formal and informal power Why informal power is often a far greater source of concern Ways to identify sources of informal power A simple strategy for contending with people who possess informal power Formal Or Informal Power: Pick Your Poison It turns our there are actually two broad categories of power: formal and informal. Formal power is derived from position. … Continue reading Informal Power, Or: Why It Always Pays To Be Polite