The Third Structure Of Power

By Kurt W. Mortensen

Have you ever known somebody that could get you to do anything, just because they had incredible integrity? That person effectively used the 3rd Structure of Power: Legitimate Power. Legitimate Power is a combination of respect, Reputation, and history. Legitimate Power is the type of power an individual has when they are placed in special regard because of their honorable character. This type of power is earned through one's track record, stability, and past use of power. It precedes a person and remains to influence others, even when their physical presence is gone. It exaggerates strength and can create an aura that instills respect, even awe.

I'm sure you can tell that developing this type of power takes a lot of time and patience. Continuously being committed to and acting with integrity is the best way to do this. So how can you accelerate that process? It goes back to one of the 5 C's of Trust, Character.
To build that Character and Integrity, don't be afraid to admit when you make a mistake. When people see that you are human, they like and trust you more.

One of my partners told me an interesting story a few days ago. While he was in college, he worked at as a waiter at a local restaurant, famous for its oven baked pizza. On a busy Friday night, my partner had quite a few tables to watch over, and was continuously running through the restaurant getting drinks, salads, and everything in between for his tables. One of his tables was a party 8, who not only ordered drinks, but waters as well. That totaled 16 drinks that my partner tried to put on his tray at once! Well it wasn't long before a thunderous crash was heard through the whole restaurant. Sure enough, he had tripped, shattering 16 glasses all over the floor. Severely embarrassed, he had to explain to all his tables that he was running behind. He informed them that the loud crash in the back was his fault. Interestingly enough, those tables that he admitted his mistake to tipped him on average 3 TIMES more than those he didn't admit his mistake to. As you can see, admitting to mistakes can make people like and cooperate with, and appreciate you more.

For more information, contact John Page BCH CI at 435-256-0315 or visit www.lifeworkswest.com.