Power is a potential that can produce an effect.

The potential is a particular resource, within or outside a person that can be used to produce a desired effect. For example knowledge, expertise, and attractiveness are resources within a person that can be used to produce effects like: influencing the boss, solving a problem and even loosing weight. On the other hand possessing influential contacts, position and status in the organization are resources outside you but can be used for getting a tender approved, cutting the bureaucratic red tape or even firing a person from a job.

How potency becomes a source of power?

When the desired effect due to a particular resource, consistently occurs, then the resource acquires a potency called power – that can be used in future also. For example when a child throws the first tantrum, and in frustration parents give in, the child understands the relationship between tantrums and parental compliance. In due course tantrum throwing acquires potency and becomes a source of power, if parents continue to submit to the tantrum.

Self-Awareness develops Power.

In the epic Ramayana , Lord Hanuman was reminded of his boundless strength by Sage Jamvant , and this made Hanuman carry the entire mountain that had a precious healing herb to the battleground where Laxman , Lord Ram’s beloved brother lay wounded, and thus saved his life.

In childhood it is parents, and later in life, teachers, gurus, mentors and bosses often make us aware of our talents and hidden potential and this empowers us. On the other hand constant criticism and humiliation by the same people will lower the self-esteem disempowering us.

In the award winning film Black we witness the transformation of a wild, deaf, dumb and blind child transforming in to an empowered, confident young lady through the hands of a teacher – guru.

Interpersonal Power

When we believe others hold the key to our happiness, we influence and control their behavior, and this ability is Interpersonal power. Through interpersonal power we try to make other people do what they otherwise would not have, and this makes us feel important, valued and in control.

Organizations today emphasize developing interpersonal power because this is comes handy when we are selling, coordinating teamwork and leading others. People with high Emotional Intelligence will have greater interpersonal power.

Intrapersonal Power:

When we bring about a change in our self we exercise intrapersonal power. Controlling cravings, wants, needs and desires, and displaying extraordinary will, drive and perseverance towards a commitment are examples of intrapersonal power. Generally such people will also have high Spiritual Intelligence. Rishis ,Munis and Sages through meditation and tapasya develop siddhis – which are powers that can accomplish extraordinary feats.

Intrapersonal Power versus Interpersonal Power

In the long run it is better to work more on developing intrapersonal power rather than interpersonal power, for we must first control our self before we try controlling others. When we are aware our talents, skills, competence, vision and goals we gain confidence and become independent, and we do not need to then rely on others for happiness.

Intrapersonal power increases our charisma; as every one appreciates expertise, talent, and confidence. Through interpersonal power thus we are able to enhance interpersonal power.

You must remember that interpersonal power when not tempered by virtues of compassion, empathy and high ethical standards, ends up harming others. Hitler displayed interpersonal power when he got the German army to support and implement the program for the systematic extermination of the Jewish race.

Hitler lacked spiritual Intelligence and this has earned him notoriety in posterity. Mother Theresa had both spiritual and emotional intelligence – she displayed both intrapersonal and interpersonal power when she brought about a positive change in the life of the poorest of the poor; for which she is revered as a saint.

Key Leanings:

Anything that can produce a desired result becomes a source of power

 Self-awareness increases both Intrapersonal and interpersonal power

 Parents, teachers, partner, close friends, gurus, mentors and bosses play a significant role in making us self-aware.

 Intrapersonal power makes you independent, confident, responsible, committed and capable of hard work. When backed with ethics, compassion and love it increases your spiritual intelligence.

On the other hand interpersonal power enhances your ability to influence others and is associated with emotional intelligence.

 Work on first on developing intrapersonal power and interpersonal power will come to you as a byproduct.

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