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Deepening our capacities to thrive
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TYPES OF POWER
In no particular order;
1. Powerlessness
Being or feeling helpless and hopeless
2. Power by Association or Relational Power
i.e. Do you know who I know or hang out with
3. Power by Symbols
i.e. Look at the car I drive, the watch I wear, the clothes I wear, the house I live in etc.
4. Power through Reflection
Thinking and feeling about self, people and events
5. Power through Purpose
i.e. Think Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela
6. Power through Position - Legitimate Power
i.e. President of a company, Head of State or Association
7. Power through Cohercion – Fear / Force
i.e. The bully at home or school it can be rational, emotional or physical
8. Power of Expertise – Experience
Head of surgery at your local hospital, your plumber
9. Power through Information
Your relative that can almost always find a great buy on almost anything at a large discount!
I0. Formal Power
Educational degrees, diplomas, certificates, professional designations and accreditation
11. Personal Influence Power
i.e. appreciated and admired through personality, style, image
12. Power by Gestalt - See all of it together
i.e. Seeing the big picture and how it all works

2.
Deepening our capacities to thrive
Page 2 of 2
Inquiry@MichaelHBallard.com • www.MichaelHBallard.com
TYPES OF POWER THAT COMBINE SOME OF THE ABOVE INCLUDE:
Tactical Power
- think immediate as in, this hour, today, this week and short mid term over
the next few weeks
We use tactical power for the purpose of trying to achieve an immediate or
short-term aim. Generally showing skillful planning in order to accomplish
something.
Strategic Power
- think mid term, this month and long term over the next year or years
The art and science of planning and conducting a campaign to build a business.
Remember Gorilla marketing.
A carefully devised plan of action to achieve a goal, or the art of developing or
carrying out such a plan.
Operational Power
i.e. relating to the operating of a business or organization. As in their
operational power is amazing. They get it done at half the cost and 2/3ʼs of
the people due to the powerful process their operation uses.
Codification Power
i.e. storage and delivery of the knowledge / resources / steps / skills
people needed to complete their tasks