11 More Ways To Create An Air Of Power

No one needs to tell you that in business, power is everything. It's
your primary weapon in the ruthless world of negotiations, relations
and money. It's what separates a good businessman from a great one.
Those who have power don't acquire it by osmosis. Meticulous effort is
required to project an image of professional poise and status. Lose
that image, and few will take you seriously. Do you think that
presidents or CEOs goof around? Never -- because they know that much of
their country's or company's reputation depends on their personal
image.

You've read before about how to create an air of power. Here are some more tips to show them that you're a man to be reckoned with.

1- Be invaluable

When you make yourself indispensable, you have an edge over others.
Hell, you even have an edge over your superiors; they can't afford to
lose you, so you have more ammo when bargaining time comes around.
Indispensability could take the form of a skill or merely a piece of
information. When you're rare, you're more respected.

2- Don't be a yes-man

You only have to gain the good graces of your superiors, no one else.
Try too hard to please others by laughing at their bad jokes, smiling
at every remark and agreeing with every insipid observation, and you'll
come off as desperate for affirmation or a raise. You don't have to
play nice. Laugh only if it's funny, and others will be smiling at you.

3- Be friendly with a select few

You may be the most sociable Mac in the building, and that's great. But
if you want to go far, remember that buddies don't become bosses. If
you're everyone's pal, people will think you're easy to reach and
therefore not powerful. Choose a couple of people at the office to
befriend, and treat the others as acquaintances. That doesn't mean you
should be rude, though.

4- Smile when others disrespect you

If someone tries to destructively criticize you, brush it off. Shout
back and you'll show that he won and, even worse, that you are easily
ruffled. If you must retort, do so calmly. It'll catch them by surprise
and they may even backpedal. Take your time. Nothing warrants turning
into the Hulk.

5- Be sporadic in your comments

"Say less than thou knowest," was the Fool's advice to Shakespeare's
King Lear, and there's a reason that line was immortalized. Those who
speak only when they have something important to say are usually held
in high regard, while those who prattle on are merely tolerated, if not
avoided. The trick is to listen more often than you speak. When you do
speak, reserve it to say something brilliant.

6- Think more often than you talk

Do you ever cringe at people who simply can't wait for you to finish
your sentence before they chime in? Learn from them, and keep your
mouth shut until others finish talking. There are three benefits to
this. First, you'll be seen as a good listener, which is a rare quality
these days. Second, you'll know what's on the mind of those around you,
which you can use to your advantage. Third, others won't have a clue
about what you're thinking. Uncertainty most often strikes fear and
deference in others.

7- Speak with authority



Bill Gates
can get away with a squeaky voice because he has a $40 billion price
tag. You don't, so your bellows should remind people of the Voice of
Doom crossed with that of a charismatic dictator. Speak clearly and
with conviction. Form complete sentences, don't pepper your words with
"like" and "um," and never talk about anything with a desperate or
nervous tone.

8- Don't kid around

No one likes an uptight grump, but there are times to be casual and
times to be serious. They're not always black and white, so sharpen
your tone instincts. When you kid at the workplace, others won't take
you as seriously. Learn how to separate casual conversations from
somber ones, what is appropriate to say in each and in what manner to
say it.

9- Look like a professional

It's important to look good, but dress with your brain. If your office
dress code is business casual, showing up in three-piece complete with
cufflinks will look absurd. Instead, figure out what the de facto dress code
is and take it up a notch. Dress as formally as you can, but go so far
as to wear a bowtie and you can consider yourself a walking joke.
Your threads, however, are only part of the equation. You must also
look professional in your mannerisms. Don't adjust your clothes or your
hair, don't twiddle your fingers and fiddle with your ring or pen. All
these habits indicate nervousness. Be composed and watch your posture.

10- Don't boast



Speak with your actions more than with your words.
You'll be noticed if you work hard, so let the quality of your fruits
speak for itself. Others will probably give you the props you deserve.
If they don't, just make your hard work more visible to them. But
maintain some subtlety, and don't try to do so by consistently
complaining about how swamped you are.

11- Be a good public speaker



If you'd rather be dead than give an impromptu speech, you have no place in management. Rhetoric skills
are expected of any leader to day. Join your local Toastmasters club
and overcome your fears of public speaking. Learn to move people with
your words, and the world will be yours.



Yes, power can be taken in like a subtle fragrance. People know it when
you walk by and when you interact with them. And it makes them defer to
you. Don't just wait for power to slowly saunter your way. Grab it by
the horns and wear it proudly.