To some people the notion of consciously planning power games, no matter how indirect, seems evil, asocial, a relic of the past. These people think they can opt out of the game by behaving in ways that have nothing to do with power. They are the so-called non-players.
Recognize these people. Non-players flaunt their moral qualities, their peity, their exquisite sense of justice. However, non-players are merely throwing dust in our eyes, distracting us from their power plays with their air of moral superiority. First rule of thumb: we all hunger power, non-players included.
Empower yourself
It does not matter what work do, activities you engage in or what gender you are. Power is essential. Without power we feel helpless and miserable. And when you are miserable you will not reach your full potential and you will not be able to give to others. Your misery is the result of power that others exercised upon you.
Learning the way of power requires a certain way of looking at the world. For most, it means shifting their perspective. Nevertheless, if you succeed in creating your power base it will be worth your efforts.
Certain basic skills are required. It might take years of practice, for much of the power game may not come naturally to you. The most important of these skills is to master your emotions. An emotional response, such as anger, is the single greatest barrier to power. Emotions cloud reason. Your vision will become blurred and you cannot prepare for and respond to a situation with any degree of control.
In his book “the 48 laws of power”, Robert Green set up a handbook with “laws” derived from men and women who have studied and mastered the game of power over a span period of more than a thousand years. Let us walk through the ten most important laws of power.
Never outshine the master
Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. Never inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than they really are and you will attain the heights of power.
Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use your enemies
Friends will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. Hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove. Fear your friends more than your enemies. If you lack enemies, make them.
Conceal your intentions
Keep people off-balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind your actions. Guide them far enough down the wrong path, envelop them in smoke, and by the time they realize your true intentions, it will be too late.
Always say less than necessary
If you try to impress people with an abundance of words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less.
Guard your reputation
Reputation is the cornerstone of power. Make your reputation unassailable. Always be alert to potential attacks and thwart them before they happen. Meanwhile, learn to destroy your enemies by undermining their own reputations.
Court attention at all cost
Everything is judged by its appearance; what is unseen counts for nothing. Never let yourself get lost in the crowd. Stand out. Be conspicuous at all cost.
Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit
Use wisdom, knowledge and legwork of other people to further your own cause. Not only will such assistance save you valuable time and energy, it will give you a godlike aura of efficiency and speed. You will be remembered for the works, not your helpers.
Make other people come to you
When you force the other person to act, you are the one in control. It is always better to make your opponent come to you, abandoning his own plans in the process. You hold the cards.
Win through your actions, never through argument
Any momentary triumph you think you have gained through argument is not a true victory. The resentment and ill will you stir up is stronger and lasts longer than any momentary change of opinion. Get others to agree with you through your actions. Demonstrate, not explicate.
Infection: avoid the unhappy and unlucky
You can die from someone else’s misery – emotional states are as infectious as diseases. You may feel like you are helping a man in need, but you are only creating your own disaster. The unfortunate will also draw their fate to you.
Learn these laws by heart. Apply them anywhere to your advantage. Observe how your personal power will grow and thank Robert Green for writing it down. And, thank the people who used the game of power to manipulate, torture and cause you pain over the years. You were taught a great lesson.
